SERMON, 


delivered  at 


NORTH  BRIDGEWATER,  OCT.  31,  1R21, 


AT  THE 

®!B2)IiTAT3©il 


OF  THE 

Rev.  DANIEL  TEMPLE,  and  Rev.  ISAAC  BIRD, 

AS 


evangelists  and  missionaries 


TO  THE 

heathen. 

BY  THE  REV.  RICHARD  S.  STORRS 

PiSTOH  OF  THE  CHFRCH  IS  BRAINTREE. 


BOSTON: 

CROCKER  & BREWSTER,  PRINTERS, 
No.  50,  Cornhill. 

1822. 


4* 


SERMON 


ACTS  xiii,  2. 

AS  THEY  MINISTERED  TO  THE  LORD  AND  FASTED,  THE  HOLY  GHOST 
SAID,  SEPARATE  ME  BARNABAS  AND  SAUL,  FOR  THE  WORK  WHERE- 
UNTO  I HAVE  CALLED  THEM. 


Prayer  is  never  unseasonable.  The  acknowledg- 
ment of  God  in  all  our  ways  is  the  only  sufficient  safe- 
guard against  surrounding  dangers,  and  the  only  sure 
foundation  of  success  in  our  enterprises. 

But  in  no  circumstances  are  we  so  urgently  called 
to  this  duty,  as  when  we  meditate  the  enlargement  of 
Zion,  and  are  putting  in  operation  measures,  that  look 
forward  to  results  deeply  involving  the  glory  of  God 
and  the  everlasting  welfare  of  men.  Here,  faith  must 
lead  the  way.  We  have  no  authority  aside  from  the 
command,  and  no  encouragement  aside  from  the  pro- 
mise of  Jehovah,  on  which  to  act.  Prayer,  or  that 
spiritual  intercourse  with  Heaven,  opened  by  the  blood 
of  Jesus,  is  therefore  the  indispensable  preliminary  to 
every  successful  effort  in  the  cause  of  Christ. 

When,  by  the  labors  of  the  apostles,  a church  had 
been  gathered  at  Antioch,  the  new  converts  compos- 
ing it  were  naturally  led  to  survey  the  spiritual  deso- 


4 


lations  spread  around  them.  With  the  compassionate 
spirit  of  the  Redeemer  glowing  in  their  bosoms  toward 
those  jet  inthralled  by  wretched  superstitions,  and 
with  a gratitude  like  that  of  the  lepers  shut  out  from 
Samaria,  who  first  discovered  the  flight  of  the  Syrian 
army,  they  said  among  themselves,  “We  do  not  well; 
this  day  is  a day  of  good  tidings,  and  we  hold  our 
peace.”  Wherefore,  under  the  direction  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  they  assembled  together,  and  with  prayer  and 
fasting  resolved  to  send  Barnabas  and  Saul  abroad  to 
proclaim  the  great  salvation  both  to  Jews  and  Gen- 
tiles. 

I shall  not  stop  to  inquire  into  the  nature  of  that 
influence  which  was  exerted  by  the  Spirit  of  God  in 
this  instance.  It  is  enough  for  us  to  know,  that  the 
same  “Holy  Ghost”  was  promised  by  Christ  to  his 
disciples  in  all  ages,  as  their  Guide  and  Comforter — 
that  when  his  influence  leads  to  the  exercise  of  the 
apostolic  spirit,  and  to  a course  of  conduct  sanctioned 
by  apostolic  example,  it  is  thereby  distinguished  suffi- 
ciently, for  all  necessary  purposes,  from  every  other 
species  of  influence.  We  are  not  to  learn  the  mind  of 
the  Spirit  from  uncertain  impulses — but  to  obey  his 
will  as  revealed  in  the  lively  oracles;  and  then,  we 
may  affirm  with  confidence,  that  we  arc  “moved  by 
the  Holy  Ghost.” 

The  consecration  of  any  man  to  the  office  of  the 
ministry  is  an  act  of  very  solemn  import.  The  con- 
nexion established  between  a pastor  and  a congregation 
involves  consequences  of  the  most  interesting  nature: 
but  even  that  must  yield,  in  point  of  deep  and  affect- 


ing  interest,  to  the  consecration  of  men  for  evange- 
lizing the  nations  that  sit  in  darkness. 

Permit  me  then  to  direct  your  attention, 

I.  To  the  work  itself  in  which  missionaries  arc  em- 
ployed; and, 

II.  To  the  evidence,  which  they  ought  to  possess, 
that  they  are  called  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Concerning  the  work  itself,  you  will  notice  its  im- 
portance— its  magnitude — its  difficulties  and  its  plea- 
sures. 

1.  Its  importance.  I scarcely  need  advert  to  the 
salutary  inlluence  of  Christianity  on  the  temporal  in- 
terests of  mankind.  It  will  be  questioned  by  none  in 
this  assembly,  that  even  where  it  has  failed  to  purify 
the  heart  and  elevate  the  character  to  the  highest 
standard,  it  has  yet  softened  the  ferocious  passions — 
shed  a balmy  influence  on  the  intercourse  of  social 
life — restrained  the  excesses  of  depravity,  and  pro- 
duced a higher  toned  morality  than  is  found  in  heathen 
lands.  It  has  nurtured  the  arts — fostered  science, 
encouraged  the  efforts  of  genius,  and  banished  the 
spirit  of  Vandalism,  so  uniformly  cherished  by  savage 
and  half  civilized  nations.  Were  no  other  blessings 
to  flow  through  the  human  family  with  the  promul- 
gation of  the  Gospel,  these  alone  would  justify  us 
in  declaring  the  work  of  sufficient  importance  to  en- 
gage the  attention  and  zealous  efforts  of  all  good  men. 

But,  there  are  blessings  of  a higher  order  connected 
with  this  work — blessings  not  bounded  by  time,  nor 
confined  to  “this  dim  speck  of  earth” — but  stretch- 
ing forward,  and  laying  hold  on  eternity.  What  saith 
an  apostle?  “V  hosoever  shall  call  on  the  name  of  the 


6 


Lord  shall  be  saved.”  He  speaks  of  an  everlasting 
salvation.  “How  then  shall  they  call  on  Him,  in 
whom  they  have  not  believed,  and  how  shall  they  be- 
lieve in  him  of  whom  they  have  not  heard,  and  how 
shall  they  hear  without  a preacher,  and  how  shall 
they  preach  except  they  be  sent.”  Whatever  specu- 
lations we  may  indulge  on  the  question  whether  God 
will  appropriate  the  peculiar  blessings  of  his  grace  to 
any,  who  are  not  favored  with  the  light  of  revelation, 
it  is  very  certain  from  this  reasoning  of  Paul  that  the 
ordinary  method  of  imparting  those  blessings,  is,  and 
ever  will  be,  the  instrumentality  of  a preached  Gospel. 
“It  hath  pleased  God  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching 
to  save  them  that  believe;”  and  he  hath  committed 
the  treasures  of  his  grace  to  earthen  vessels,  purpose- 
ly that  the  excellency  of  the  power  may  be  ascribed 
to  Him; — for  his  glory  is  more  displayed  by  opening 
such  a channel  of  communication,  than  it  would  have 
been  either  by  the  ministry  of  a higher  order  of  intel- 
ligences, or  by  no  ministry  at  all. 

The  publication  of  the  Gospel  is  necessary,  to  con- 
vince men  of  sin,  of  righteousness  and  of  judgment — 
to  make  them  understand  the  spirituality  and  extent 
of  God's  law — the  depths  of  their  own  corruption — 
the  sovereignty  of  the  divine  counsels — the  astonish- 
ing riches  both  of  his  wisdom  and  knowledge — the 
unsearchableness  of  his  judgments,  and  the  mystnri- 
ousness  of  his  wavs.  Until  the  mind  is  enlightened  on 
these  subjects,  in  vain  is  the  heart  assailed  either  by 
argument  or  intreaty — in  vain  arc  all  persuasions  to 
that  holiness  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the 
Lord.  Philosophy  may  exhaust  all  her  resources,  and 


7 


the  tenderness  of  friendship,  or  the  fervors  of  seraphic 
zeal  may  be  superadded  to  the  most  powerful  reason, 
ings,  and  yet,  till  Christ  crucified  is  exhibited  as  the 
hope  of  glory,  no  submission  to  God  can  be  inspired 
into  the  heart, — no  victory  over  the  spirit  of  disobe- 
dience can  be  secured. 

When,  therefore,  we  are  able  to  estimate  the  value  of 
that  principle  of  immortality,  within  us — to  compute  the 
happiness  it  may  enjoy,  or  the  misery  it  may  endure, 
through  interminable  ages; — when  we  can  fully  under- 
stand the  preciousness  of  the  blood  of  atonement — the 
loveliness  of  Him  who  is  “chiefest  among  ten  thou- 
sand,” and  “altogether  lovely,”  we  may  comprehend 
the  importance  of  missionary  labors — and  not  till 
then. 

2.  Its  magnitude.  The  moral  revolution,  which 
the  Gospel  proposes  to  effect  in  every  sinner,  is  so 
great,  as  to  be  described  by  the  Holy  Spirit  as  a 
new  creation — a work  that  can  be  accomplished  only 
by  that  “exceeding  greatness  of  power  which  wrought 
in  Christ  and  raised  him  from  the  dead.”  If  we  ex- 
tend our  thoughts,  then,  from  an  individual  sinner,  to 
a whole  world  lying  in  wickedness,  and  consider  the 
rapid  flow  of  successive  generations — the  millions  that 
are  every  year  swept  into  eternity  and  succeeded  by 
other  millions  equally  needing  the  renovating  influen- 
ces of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  instrumentality  of  a 
preached  Gospel,  can  we  deny  the  immense  magnitude 
of  the  work? 

But  we  must  consider  the  demand  made  on  the 
resources  of  those  engaged  in  it.  Their  circumstances 


8 


oblige  them  to  be  abundant  in  labors — in  journeyings 
often,  in  perils  of  waters,  in  perils  of  robbers,  in  perils 
of  their  own  countrymen,  in  perils  of  the  heathen,  in 
perils  in  the  city,  in  perils  in  the  wilderness,  in  perils 
among  false  brethren,  in  weariness,  in  painfulness,  in 
watchings  often,  in  hunger,  in  thirst,  in  cold  and  na- 
kedness. 

The  whole  system  of  Christianity  is  to  be  explained, 
defended,  and  applied  to  the  actual  condition  of  those 
to  whom  the  missionary  addresses  himself.  The  counter- 
acting systems  of  idolatry  and  superstition  are  to  be 
boldly  met — their  claims  are  to  be  canvassed— their  ab- 
surdities and  their  intrinsic  abominations  exposed. 
The  prejudices  that  have  fastened  on  the  benighted 
mind, and  been  confirmed  by  the  unsuspecting  confidence 
of  a hundred  generations,  are  to  be  loosened  from  their 
hold,  and  removed  out  of  the  way.  The  conscience,  in- 
cumbered  by  a thousand  vain  ceremonies,  or  blinded  by 
the  pomp  and  pageantry  of  idol  worship,  is  to  be  relieved 
and  aroused.  The  heart,  hardened  to  adamant  by  famil- 
iarity with  licentiousness  and  blood,  is  to  be  summoned 
to  a surrender  of  all  it  values,  at  the  foot  of  the  cross 
— and  every  thing  consecrated  by  immemorial  custom 
to  “them  that  are  no  gods,”  is  to  be  challenged  as  the 
enemy  of  Jehovah.  Is  not  this  a work  of  magnitude? 
Is  it  to  be  accomplished  by  feeble  efforts — or  even 
by  the  more  vigorous  exertions  of  here  and  there  a 
solitary  missionary?  When  we  think  of  the  miserable 
condition  of  pagan  countries,  we  are  apt  to  imagine 
them  destitute,  eciually  of  spiritual  and  intellectual  en- 
ergies. It  is  a mistake.  Minds  of  the  greatest  sub- 
til ty,  of  the  greatest  power,  and  capable  of  prodigious 


9 


effort,  may  bo  found  among  the  Indians  of  the  west, 
and  are  not  uncommon  among  the  idolaters  o(  the 
cast.  The  mass  of  heathens  arc  no  doubt  degraded; 
the  lower  classes  have  as  little  claim  to  intellectual 
as  moral  cultivation — but  there  are  those  among  them, 
as  well  as  among  us,  capable  of  distinguishing  between 
sophistry  and  just  reasoning,  capable  of  detecting  ev- 
ery weak  point  in  argument,  and  of  bringing  no  small 
share  of  metaphysical  acumen  into  the  defence  ol 
their  theistical  systems.  Such  minds  possess  an  influ- 
ence over  the  multitude,  not  easily  to  be  controlled; 
and,  buried  as  they  are  in  ignorance  of  the  first  princi- 
ples of  revealed  truth — strengthened  in  their  preju- 
dices against  a new  religion  by  veneration  for  antiquity, 
and  fondness  for  earliest  conceived  opinions,  they  are 
not  to  be  easily  enlightened  and  brought  into  subjection 
to  the  great  Prophet  of  the  church.  The  sluggish  mind 
of  the  Hindoo  Pariar,  and  the  shrewdness  of  the  philo- 
sophical Brahmin,  may,  for  aught  I know,  present  equal 
difficulties  to  the  Christian  teacher — but  the  history 
of  missions  assures  us,  that  years  of  patience  and  ar- 
duous exertion,  accompanied  by  fervent  prayer,  have 
scarcely  gained  access  to  either. 

And,  if  the  magnitude  of  the  w'ork  be  estimated  by 
the  extent  of  the  field  inviting  culture — tell  me  what 
amount  of  labor  is  requisite  to  place  six  hundred  mil- 
lions of  immortal  beings — and  these  six  hundred  mil- 
lions removed  and  succeeded  by  six  hundred  mil- 
lions more  every  thirty  years,  at  an  equal  point  with 
ourselves  on  the  scale  of  religious  privilege.  You 
must  remember, — it  is  no  fiction — it  is  fact — paganism 
extends  its  sway  over  more  than  half  the  extent  of  the 
2 


JO 


immense  continents  of  Asia  and  Africa,  and  over  at 
least  three  fourths  of  the  extent  of  America.  Beside 
this,  until  lately  it  has  maintained  an  undisputed  con- 
trol over  the  islands  of  the  South  Sea.  New  Holland, 
sometimes  called  “the  Fourth  continent”  is  wholly  pa- 
gan, except  a little  corner,  where  a recent  Christian 
establishment  exists.  And  even  the  West  India  isl- 
ands, held  by  Christian  nations,  ^contain,”  says  Bishop 
Porteus  “upwards  of  400,000  human  beings,  of  whom 
much  the  greatest  part  live  most  literally  without  God 
in  the  world;  without  any  knowledge  of  a Creator  or 
Redeemer;  without  any  one  principle  either  of  natural 
or  revealed  religion,  and  without  the  idea  of  one  moral 
duty/’  Besides  this,  in  Europe , Pagan  idolaters  pos- 
sess the  greater  part  of  Greenland,  Russian  Lapland, 
and  other  parts  of  the  northern  extremity  of  the  con- 
tinent; making  in  the  whole  a pagan  population  of 
nearly  five  hundred  millions  totally  ignorant  of  Chris- 
tianity. Add  to  these  at  least  an  hundred  and  forty 
millions,  who  swear  by  Mahomet — spread  over  all  the 
Turkish  dominions  in  Europe,  Asia,  and  Africa — filling 
up  the  Barbary  states — plauting  the  crescent  in  the 
interior  of  Africa,  and  extending  its  baleful  shadow  to 
Zanguebar  and  a large  region  of  dense  population  on 
its  eastern  coast;  scouring  the  desarts  of  Arabia — 
withering  the  glories  of  Persia — flourishing  in  the 
Russian  territories  of  Astrachan  and  Little  Tartary — 
guiding  the  Independent  Tartars  of  Turkistan  and 
Bucharia  on  their  plundering  and  murderous  expedi- 
tions— and  covering  with  awful  darkness  the  eastern 
islands  of  Malaya,  Sumatra,  Java,  Borneo,  <5cc.  thick 
settled  with  men  immortal  as  ourselves,  and  even 


11 


stretching  into  Hindostan,  as  though  the  blackness  oi 
Paganism  was  not  of  a dye  deep  enough,  to  please 
the  Prince  of  darkness. 

Now  I ask — Is  there  one  spot  on  earth,  that  does 
not  need  the  Gospel?  Where  will  you  find  it?  Are  the 
islands  of  the  sea  sufficiently  happy  without  it;  happy 
— in  crowding  their  morais  with  hundreds  of  human 
victims  in  a day  as  a burning  sacrifice  to  the  honor  of 
an  idol?  They  have  every  blessing  that  the  bounty  of  an 
indulgent  Parent  can  bestow,  except  the  Gospel — but 
can  they  be  happy  while  the  restraints  of  Divine  grace 
on  their  guilty  passions  are  suspended — while,  in  all 
their  anticipations  of  the  future,  an  impenetrable  cloud 
hangs  over  the  eternal  world — and  the  only  heaven, 
of  which  they  form  an  idea,  corresponds  in  its  chief 
characteristics  with  the  most  filthy  and  disgusting 
scenes  on  which  the  sun  ever  looks  down?  Are  the 
inhabitants  of  Asia  or  of  Africa  happy,  when  the  slight 
elevation  of  their  character  above  the  brutes  only  en- 
ables them  to  perceive  their  miseries,  and  aggravate 
them  by  guilty  indulgencies?  Are  they  happy  in  their 
domestic  condition,  when  selling  each  other — the  near- 
est relatives,  into  perpetual  bondage — in  their  self 
inflicted  tortures — in  their  horrid  immolations?  If 
this  be  happiness,  then  indeed  the  Gospel  would  add 
nothing  to  their  comfort;  if  this  be  happiness — and,  if 
eternity  be  a dream,— then,  no  missionaries  are  required, 
to  carry  them  the  good  news  of  peace  on  earth  and good 
will  to  men.  But  if  on  the  other  hand,  all  the  nations  of 
the  earth,  yet  unenlightened  by  the  Gospel,  are  in  that 
state  of  deep  moral  degradation,  which  renders  them  in- 
capable of  solid  happiness  both  here  and  hereafter,  then 


12 


o great  work  remains  to  be  done  for  them — “their  eyes 
are  to  be  opened;”  they  are  to  be  turned  “from  dark- 
ness to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God, 
that  they  may  receive  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inher- 
itance among  them  that  are  sanctified  by  faith  in  Je- 
sus.” 

3.  Its  difficulties.  Disgraceful  as  it  is  to  human 
nature,  that  any,  who  enjoy  the  blessings  of  revelation, 
so  lightly  esteem  them  as  to  pronounce  them  unneces- 
sary to  the  Hindoo,  the  African  or  the  Indian;  un- 
happy as  the  reflection  is,  that  there  are  thousands 
in  Christendom  whose  hearts  have  never  been  touched 
by  the  love  of  Jesus,  and  whose  minds  are  no  more 
enlightened  to  any  valuable  purpose,  than  the  minds 
of  the  New  Zealander  and  the  Caflrarian,  yet  the  fact 
must  be  known,  and  confessed,  and  published,  till  pious 
tears  flow  freely  enough  to  wash  out  the  foul  stain 
from  the  page  of  Christian  history.  Before  the  age 
of  missions  commenced,  infidelity  busied  itself  with 
vain  attempts  to  tear  down  and  destroy  established 
institutions — to  bring  the  church,  with  her  ministers 
and  ordinances  into  discredit — to  snatch  the  Scrip- 
tures from  the  hands  of  the  young,  and  degrade  them 
in  the  eyes  of  the  old.  But  since  that  period,  it  has 
studied  the  concealment  of  its  most  odious  features^ 
and  contented  itself  with  directing  its  energies,  in  one 
shape  or  other,  against  that  whole  system  of  measures 
concerted  for  evangelizing  the  world.  Hence,  the  en- 
comiums now  so  freely  lavished  on  the  morality  of 
nations,  whose  most  sacred  rites  are  marked  with  ob- 
scenity and  murder; — on  the  purity  and  magnanimity 
of  nations,  whose  very  courts  of  justice  are  scenes  of 


13 


continual  perjury — and  on  the  innocence,  the  harm- 
lessness of  nations,  whose  proudest  virtues  arc  dis- 
played in  the  wanton  effusion  of  human  blood. 

Although  representations  so  foreign  from  truth  are 
daily  losing  their  influence  in  proportion  to  the  diffu- 
sion of  light,  yet  there  are  not  wanting  those,  that  bear 
the  Christian  name,  and  partake  perhaps  in  some  mea- 
sure of  the  Christian  spirit,  on  whose  feelings  and  con- 
duct toward  the  heathen,  such  representations  have 
produced  the  most  unhappy  effect.  The  correct  im- 
pression, in  regard  to  the  moral  state  of  the  world,  is 
by  no  means  so  deep,  so  general,  nor  so  operative,  as 
it  would  have  been  but  for  these  efforts  of  infidelity. 
And  while  every  Christian  acknowledges,  in  general 
terms,  his  obligation  to  do  what  in  him  lies,  that  the 
Gospel  may  be  preached  to  every  creature,  he  is  apt 
to  realize  but  very  faintly  his  individual  responsibility; 
and  so  long  as  many  around  him  do  nothing — and  even 
deny  the  obligation  to  do  any  thing;  and  so  long  as  he 
has  not  been  an  eye  witness  of  the  wretchedness  that 
he  hears  of,  he  easily  soothes  his  conscience,  and  gen- 
erously applies  all  his  resources  to  that  more  certain 
species  of  charity,  which  begins  and  ends  at  home! 
Now,  must  not  all  missionary  operations  be  retarded 
by  such  a state  of  feeling  among  Christians?  Even  the 
most  devoted  missionary  cannot  escape  moments  of 
enervating  despondency,  when  his  supplications  for 
more  help  are  disregarded;  and  when  that  voice  of 
the  Christian  public,  in  obedience  to  which  he  entered 
the  vineyard,  now  says  to  him,  “You  must  labor  alone” 
— “save  such  as  you  can , and  leave  others  to  go  down 
to  everlasting  burnings.”  Well  may  his  heart  sink 


14 


within  him;  the  unbroken  sceptre  of  the  prince  of 
darkness  extends  over  millions  around  him;  multitudes 
are  yearly  hurried  to  the  tomb,  on  which  not  one  ray 
of  hope  falls  from  Him,  who  is  the  light  of  the  world; 
his  own  arm  is  too  weak  to  stay  for  a moment  the 
tide  of  desolation  rolling  at  his  feet — and  they,  who 
have  pledged  their  bodies,  theirspirits,  their  substance, 
their  all  to  aid  him  in  the  mighty  labor,  turn  a deaf 
ear  to  his  entreaties!  Say  you,  that  the  missionary 
ought  not  to  be  so  sensibly  alive  to  the  deficiency  of 
Christian  liberality  at  home?  and  that  he  has  nothing 
to  do  but  to  prosecute  his  labors  to  the  best  of  his 
ability  and  wait  for  his  reward  from  heaven?  Strip 
him  then  of  the  finest  sensibilities  of  nature — give 
him  a heart  of  stone-*-put  scales  on  his  eyes — and 
bind  around  him  a triple  coat  of  steel.  What!  may 
he  not  feel!  May  he  not  weep  over  miseries  that  he 
cannot  relieve!  Shall  he  harden  himself  into  marble, 
rather  than  give  way  to  the  sorrows  that  rush  into 
his  soul,  and  extort  from  him  the  Macedonian  cry!  O 
no!  A missionary  that  could  do  this,  we  would  never 
send  to  publish  a Gospel  that  breathes  tenderness  and 
love.  But  if  you  employ  missionaries,  who  have  the 
feelings  of  men  mingling  with  the  softest  Christian 
sympathies,  and  who  are  best  qualified  for  usefulness, 
they  are  men  who  must  be  hindered  in  their  work  by 
a parsimony  that  ill  becomes  the  followers  of  Jesus. 

And  who  can  describe  the  difficulties  existing  on  the 
very  fields  of  missions!  What  eye  that  has  not  seen 
them, — what  hand  that  has  not  held  over  them  the 
light  of  revelation,  can  portray  the  vices,  the  corrup- 
tions— the  superstitions  that  flourish  in  dreadful  luxu- 


15 


riance  over  the  whole  extent  of  the  region  and  sha- 
dow of  death!  Ignorance,  gloomy  as  the  shades  ol 
fabled  Erebus — depravity,  bold  and  daring  as  that 
which  once  opened  the  windows  of  heaven  and  broke 
up  the  fountains  of  the  great  deep,  are  to  be  encounter- 
ed by  every  missionary  that  attempts  to  plant  the  cross 
at  the  door  of  the  mosque,  or  of  the  temples  of  Brama. 
Had  I time  to  remind  you  of  the  sufferings  of  Egede 
from  the  Angekoks,  on  the  frozen  shores  of  Green- 
land;— or  of  that  devoted  band,  that  have  at  length 
secured  the  conquest  of  Otaheite; — or  of  Henry  Mar- 
tvn,  pouring  forth  the  sweetest  strains  that  ever  an- 
gels sung,  on  ears  as  deaf  as  the  rocky  mountains  of 
Himmaleh — and  dying  unheeded  by  the  cruel  Hassan 
in  the  wilds  of  Turkey; — nay,  could  I enter  into  the 
details  of  those  labors  and  sufferings,  in  which  our 
own  missionaries  have  abounded,  both  in  the  east  and 
the  west — lead  you  into  their  closets  and  show  you 
their  tears  over  the  hard-heartedness  of  men,  who 
more  eagerly  listen  to  the  winds  that  whistle  through 
their  forests  than  to  Christian  instruction — and  open 
your  ears  to  their  lamentations  over  some  that  began 
to  run  well,  but  were  afterwards  hindered — I am  sure 
you  would  be  convinced  that  the  life  of  a missionary 
is  chequered  with  seasons  of  painful  suffering,  that 
demands  your  deepest  sympathy. 

Can  it  be  a light  thing  to  overturn  a mass  of  super- 
stition and  idolatry,  consolidated  by  the  lapse  of  thirty 
or  forty  centuries?  The  very  attempt  awakens  a thou- 
sand fears — and  calls  into  action  a thousand  jealousies 
in  those,  who  have  been  taught  from  infancy  to  vener- 
ate a long  established  system  of  polytheism.  And 


16 


the  Gospel  admits  of  no  compromise  with  the  Vedam 
of  the  Hindoos,  the  Zendavista  of  the  Persians,  or  the 
Koran  of  the  Turks  and  Arabs.  It  promises  none  oi 
its  rewards  to  the  devotees  of  a false  religion;  and 
condemns  no  system  of  faith  more  unequivocally,  than 
it  condemns  the  policy  of  Loyola’s  disciples  in  blend- 
ing the  religion  of  Christ  with  the  religion  of  Confu- 
cius;— or  in  submitting  to  the  austerities  and  assuming 
the  habits  of  a brahmin  in  order  to  persuade  the  brah- 
mins and  their  followers,  that  Christianity  is  merely  an 
adjunct  to  their  old  religion; — an  improved  edition  of 
it!  The  Gospel  system,  in  its  essential  character,  is 
exclusive.  It  cannot  betray  itself  and  yet  admit  the 
truth  of  other  religious  systems;  “for  -what  fellowship 
hath  righteousness  with  unrighteousness?”  “What  con- 
cord hath  Christ  with  Belial?”  “What  agreement 
hath  the  temple  of  God  with  idols?” 

It  is  a well  known  fact,  that  the  Romans  granted 
complete  toleration  to  every  shade  and  shape  of  po- 
lytheism, prevailing  in  their  territories.  But  when 
Christianity  found  its  way  into  the  empire  it  became 
at  once  the  object  of  unrelenting  persecution.  Wild 
beasts  were  fed  with  the  flesh  of  Christians  till  glut- 
ted— the  fiercest  executioners  became  wearied  with 
shedding  such  quantities  of  human  blood;  and  why 
this  fury?  because  the  Christians  prayed  together, 
and  sung  their  hymns  in  praise  of  Jesus?  No;  but  be- 
cause the  toleration  of  Christianity  must  involve  the 
destruction  of  polytheism.  If  the  same  species  of 
persecution  is  not  adopted  at  this  day  in  all  pagan  coun- 
tries, look  for  the  reason  in  the  extended  arm  ol  Chris- 
tian power — in  commercial  policy — not  in  the  anmhr 


17 


lation  of  those  passions  that  set  Rome  on  fire,  to  find 
a plea  for  destroying  Christians.  The  same  opposi- 
tion to  truth  remains.  It  may  show  itself  more  clearly 
in  Burmah  or  at  Constantinople,  but  elsewhere  it  is 
a smothered  flame.  So  our  missionaries  find  it,  in  the 
contemptuous  neglect  of  their  instructions,  and  in  the 
angry  treatment  experienced  by  their  converts. 

Lay  out  of  the  account  then,  that  whole  class  of 
trials,  which  the  missionary  must  endure  from  the 
sinfulness  of  his  own  heart,  powerfully  operated  upon 
by  the  peculiarities  of  his  situation; — and  another 
class  arising  from  the  separation  of  a thousand  strong 
and  tender  ties  binding  him  to  the  land  of  his  nativity; 
— and  only  contemplate  the  determined  opposition  of 
infidelity; — the  cold  indifference  of  nominal  Christian- 
ity;— the  sluggishness  of  those,  who  have  something 
more  than  a name  to  live; — together  with  the  “gross 
superstition,  the  absurd  polytheism,  the  monstrous 
idolatry — the  obscene  and  barbarous  rites,  savage  sac- 
rifices, and  atheistic  philosophy”  of  the  unevangelized 
nations; — and  tell  me,  is  not  the  work  of  the  missionary 
difficult.  Blessed  be  God!  there  is  a power  that  can 
sustain  him! 

4.  The  work  has  its  pleasures  too.  The  Lord  has 
honored  it  beyond  all  other  employments.  He  is 
himself  the  great  Agent  in  every  movement  made  to- 
ward its  accomplishment.  The  church  on  earth  is 
his  delight;  and  the  chief  reflection  of  his  glory  on 
all  other  works  of  his  hand,  is  derived  from  her. 
Whatever  else  he  does,  beside  directly  advancing 
her  interests,  is  done  in  subserviency  to  her  ultimate 
triumphs.  Not  a wheel  nor  movement  in  the  great 
3 


18 


machine  of  nature,  but  conspires  to  make  Zion  the 
joy  and  the  beauty  of  the  whole  earth.  In  this  point, 
all  his  counsels  meet.  Here  he  displays  himself  in  all 
the  glory  of  the  God  of  holiness — in  all  the  loveliness 
of  the  God  of  mercy — in  all  the  terrors  of  the  God 
of  justice,  Is  there  nobler  pleasure  in  the  universe 
than  to  be  a fellow  laborer  with  God? 

It  is  a work  in  which  God  commands  men  to  en- 
gage, with  all  their  strength.  “Go  ye  into  all  the 
world,  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature.” 
What  pleasure  is  purer,  than  that  which  flows  from 
obedience  to  the  highest  authority,  pursuing  the  most 
benevolent  ends.  The  noblest  employment  in  which 
the  mighty  powers  of  angels  are  engaged,  so  far  as 
we  are  permitted  to  know,  is  “ministering  to  them, 
who  shall  be  heirs  of  salvation.”  And  as  faithful  mis- 
sionaries are  laborers  together  with  them,  so  are  they 
fellow  heirs  with  them  to  the  purest  joys. 

Moreover,  it  is  a work  that  will  infallibly  succeed. 
Those  divine  promises,  on  which  our  confidence  rests, 
are  many,  and  of  no  doubtful  import.  “Ask  me,”  says 
Jehovah,  “and  I will  give  thee  the  heathen  for  thine 
inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for 
thy  possession.”  In  addressing  Zion  as  already  shin- 
ing forth  in  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  Isaiah  rises  on  his 
subject  in  the  language  of  rapture;  “Lift  up  thine 
eyes  round  about  and  see;  all  they  gather  themselves 
together:  they  come  unto  thee;  thy  sons  shall  come 
from  far,  and  thy  daughters  shall  be  nursed  at  thy 
side.  Then  thou  shalt  see  and  flow  together,  and 
thine  heart  shall  be  enlarged,  because  the  abundance 
of  the  sea  shall  be  converted  unto  thee:  the  forces 


19 


of  the  Gentiles  shall  come  unto  thee:  the  nation  and 
kingdom  that  will  not  serve  thee  shall  utterly  perish; 
thou  shall  call  thy  walls  Salvation,  and  thy  gates, 
Praise;  thy  sun  shall  no  more  go  down,  neither  shall 
thy  moon  withdraw  itself,  for  the  Lord  shall  be  thine 
everlasting  light:  and  the  days  of  thy  mourning  shall 
be  ended;  thy  people  shall  be  all  righteous;  I the  Lord 
will  hasten  it  in  his  time The  occasion  does  not 
permit  me  to  multiply  quotations  from  those  prophe- 
cies, which  are  so  replete  with  comfort  to  all  who 
are  waiting  for  the  future  “Consolation  of  Israel.” 
But  on  their  broad  basis,  I may  affirm  without  fear  of 
contradiction,  that  all  who  engage  with  pure  motives 
in  hastening  their  fulfilment,  will  find  their  hands 
strengthened  and  their  hearts  encouraged.  Could 
you  give  such  assurance  of  success  to  the  enterprising 
merchant,  the  sails  of  his  ships  would  instantly  whiten 
every  sea.  Could  you  inspire  the  bosom  of  the  pat- 
riot soldier  with  the  same  unerring  confidence,  with 
how  light  a heart,  and  firm  a step,  would  he  march 
into  the  field  of  battle!  Happy,  thrice  happy,  are  they 
who  pledge  their  lives  and  undivided  strength  to  la- 
bors, which  shall  never  be  disappointed  while  the 
Almighty  sits  upon  the  throne.  Let  some  infer  from 
the  strength  of  divine  promises,  the  inutility  of  human 
efforts;  let  them  steel  their  bosoms  against  the  cries 
of  so  many  millions  yet  urging  their  way,  in  unbroken 
ranks,  to  the  world  of  weeping  and  despair — and  that 
too  by  the  very  argument  that  would  nerve  them  with 
invincible  strength  in  any  more  earthly  enterprise; 
they  are  welcome  to  all  the  pleasures  of  sturdy  indo- 
lence— and  to  all  the  gratification  they  can  derive 


20 


from  cankered  silver  and  gold.  Theirs  is  neither  the 
temper,  nor  the  pleasure,  of  the  self-devoted  mission- 
ary— whose  eye  is  fastened  on  the  promise,  while  his 
hands  lay  hold  on  the  work,  that  will  result  in  glory 
to  God,  and  everlasting  life,  to  perishing  millions. 

Earth  has  its  pleasures — they  may  flutter  around 
the  iron  bound  chest  of  the  miser — or  the  voluptua- 
ry’s scenes  of  dissipation — or  the  philosopher’s  study 
— but  they  alight  no  where  except  on  the  heart  of  be- 
nevolence. To  carry  relief  to  the  agonized  victim 
of  disease — to  wipe  away  the  tear  that  glistens  in 
the  eye  of  misery,  is  a luxury  of  delight,  of  more 
value  than  crowns  and  diadems.  Follow  then  the 
missionary  into  the  wigwam  of  America,  or  the  mud- 
w'alled  cottage  of  the  South  Sea  Islands,  where  a 
family  of  young,  untutored  immortals  clusters  around 
him.  He  begins  his  darling  theme  and  tells  them  of 
the  love  of  Jesus.  He  first  catches  the  eye  of  one — 
presently  of  another — and  another,  till  all  listen  with 
deep  attention  to  the  wondrous  story  of  “God  manifest 
in  the  flesh.”  They  weep  in  view  of  so  much  good- 
ness. They  shudder  at  their  own  ingratitude.  He 
bends  the  knee  in  their  behalf,  at  the  family  altar 
then  first  erected — gives  them  his  blessing — and  re- 
tires. The  seed  is  sown.  Ere  long,  the  husband  and 
the  wife,  with  their  domestic  band,  present  themselves 
an  offering  unto  the  Lord — hope  lights  up  the  smile 
of  joy  in  their  habitation — faith  lays  hold  on  ever- 
lasting things — obedience  to  God  crowns  the  remnant 
of  their  days; — at  length  they  fall  asleep  in  Jesus,  and 
afterwards,  awake  to  all  the  raptures  of  heaven!  Has 
not  that  missionary  a title  to  joys  the  world  knows 


21 


nothing  of?  O!  could  we  estimate  the  value  ol'  the 
soul — could  we  weigh  it  in  the  balances  of  the  sanc- 
tuary as  it  is  weighed  by  Him  who  made  it — could 
we  lilt  the  covering  which  God  in  mercy  has  thrown 
over  the  torments  endured  by  the  damned,  or  pene- 
trate the  veil  that  conceals  the  glories  of  heaven,  then 
might  we  estimate  the  pleasures,  that  will  be  derived 
to  the  faithful  missionary  from  the  labors  to  which 
he  is  called. 

Nor  may  we  forget  the  “recompence  of  reward” 
that  awaits  him  in  heaven.  The  Scriptures  establish 
the  principle,  and  urge  the  motive,  of  future  rewards 
proportioned  to  the  attainments  here  made  by  the 
children  of  God,  and  the  good  they  may  have  accom- 
plished, or  had  it  in  their  hearts  to  accomplish.  He 
that  improves  ten  pounds  is  made  the  ruler  of  ten 
cities,  and  he  that  improves  five  pounds  has  rule  over 
five  cities.  “Those  that  are  wise  shall  shine  as 
the  brightness  of  the  firmament;  and  they  that  turn 
many  to  righteousness  as  the  stars  for  ever  and  ever.” 

These  prospects,  which  the  faithful  missionary  is 
permitted  to  indulge,  connected  with  the  delight  that 
flows  from  cordial  obedience  to  the  will  of  God,  and 
the  happy,  though  limited  success  of  his  labors,  may 
well  refresh  his  spirit  amid  the  thousand  nameless 
trials  and  more  obvious  difficulties  that  present  them- 
selves to  him. 

II.  Let  us  glance  very  cursorily  at  the  evidence 
which  missionaries  ought  to  possess,  that  they  are 
called  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

h They  should  ardently  love  the  work.  Indeed 
it  is  an  essential  qualification  of  “elders,”  who  take 
the  oversight  of  the  flock  already  collected,  that 


22 


“they  feed  them,  not  by  constraint,  but  willingly,  not 
for  filthy  lucre,  but  of  a ready  mind.”  More  than 
this  is  necessary  to  the  perfection  of  the  missionary 
character.  Strong  desires  must  swell  the  bosom,  not 
only  for  the  conversion  of  the  world  by  some  means, 
but  for  a personal  share  in  the  requisite  labors  and 
conflicts.  His  eyes  will  be  open  on  the  difficulties  of 
the  undertaking,4  but  with  holy  Paul  he  will  be  ready 
to  “endure  all  things  for  the  elect’s  sake,  that  they 
may  obtain  salvation.”  What  if  his  motives  be  mis- 
understood and  misrepresented — what  if  his  charac- 
ter be  not  elevated  to  a height  that  the  shafts  of 
malice  and  envy  can  never  reach — what  if  the  force  of 
his  arguments  and  the  pathos  of  his  exhortations  be 
not  always  felt — and  what  if  all  his  doubts  and  disqui- 
etudes do  not  quit  him  the  moment  he  treads  on  hea- 
then ground, — still  he  says,  “let  me  know  the  fellow- 
ship of  Jesus’  sufferings,  if  thereby  I may  save  any 
for  whom  he  died.”  Yes!  in  full  view  of  trials  more 
numerous,  more  complicated,  more  appalling  than  can 
ever  be  realized  by  a stated  pastor,  and  with  no  re- 
wards in  prospect  but  such  as  are  spiritual  and  eter- 
nal, he  possesses  a deep  and  fervent  desire  to  engage 
in  the  work;  and  “being  affectionately  desirous”  of 
all  who  are  ignorant  of  Christ,  he  is  “willing  to  impart 
to  them  not  the  gospel  of  God  only,  but  his  own  soul 
also.” 

2.  They  should  possess  strong  faith  in  God.  His 
promises  are  their  sole  dependence.  Without  hab- 
itual attention  to  the  indications  of  his  Providence,  and 
much  prayer  for  the  illuminations  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
to  accompany  the  study  of  the  Scriptures,  no  man 
can  be  prepared  to  labor  with  comfort  and  success  on 


23 


pagan  ground.  What  else  can  inspire  the  necessary 
humility?  It  is  the  highest  honor  conferred  on  mortal 
men,  to  be  permitted  to  declare  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ — an  honor  too  high  for  the  frailty  of 
our  nature  to  support,  but  for  the  awful  responsibi- 
lities with  which  God  has  connected  it,  and  the  ar- 
duous duties  it  involves.  How  shall  these  responsi- 
bilities be  felt,  and  these  duties  discharged,  without 
a humble  reliance  on  that  grace,  which  is  communi- 
cated only  in  answer  to  the  prayers  of  strong  faith. 
A great  degree  of  boldness  is  often  necessary  in  the 
missionary  character;  and  though  in  many  instances  it 
is  a native  quality  that  requires  only  to  be  sanctified, 
yet  in  other  instances  scarcely  a trace  of  it  is  to  be 
found  in  the  natural  character,  and  as  much  of  it  as 
may  be  acquired,  results  from  the  confidence  cher- 
ished in  the  promises  of  God.  When  the  missionary 
can  say,  “the  Lord  is  my  light  and  salvation;  the 
strength  of  my  life,”  he  may  also  say,  “of  whom  shall 
I be  afraid?”  “Though  an  host  encamp  against  me,  I 
will  not  fear,  though  war  arise  against  me,  in  God 
will  I be  confident.”  Samuel  dared  to  say  unto  Saul, 
“thou  hast  done  wickedly.”  Nathan  feared  not  to 
tell  David,  “thou  art  the  man.”  Elijah  knew  that 
Ahab  sought  his  life,  but  boldly  declared  to  him,  “thou 
hast  sold  thyself  to  work  evil  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord;”  and  need  I repeat  to  you  the  bold  reproofs 
of  John  the  Baptist  to  Herod — of  Peter  and  John  to 
the  council,  or  of  Paul  and  Barnabas  to  the  contra- 
dicting and  blaspheming  Jews  in  Pesidia?  But  for  their 
strong  faith  in  God,  these  holy  men  had  not  ventured 


24 


to  reprove  kings,  nor  dared  the  fury  of  an  unprinci- 
pled and  blood  thirsty  multitude. 

And  what  but  confidence  in  God,  unsubdued  by 
difficulties  or  discouragements,  could  have  carried 
forward  the  timid  Brainerd  through  so  many  heart- 
rending scenes  of  guilt  and  wretchedness  as  he  was 
compelled  to  witness  at  Kaunaumeek  and  the  Forks  of 
the  Delaware.  Or,  what  but  the  firmest  conviction 
of  the  gracious  purposes  of  God  toward  the  most 
forlorn  of  the  human  race,  could  have  inspired  the 
Mayhews  or  Elliot  with  resolution  enough  to  break 
up  the  idolatrous  and  bloody  feasts  of  the  savages — 
to  give  them  hymns  of  praise  to  Jesus  for  their  war- 
songs — to  brave  the  authority  of  the  sachems,  and  the 
still  more  powerful  influence  of  the  powaws — to  re- 
duce their  unwritten  and  uncouth  language  to  form 
and  rule,  and  then  translate  the  Scriptures  for  their 
use.  And  what  but  the  strongest  faith  in  God  could 
have  armed  the  retiring  Swartz  with  courage  to  enter 
the  camp  of  the  blood  thirsty  Hyder  Ally,  on  an  em- 
bassy that  no  other  person  dared  to  undertake — or 
with  self  denial  and  patience  enough  to  go  into  the 
midst  of  the  thieving  tribes  of  collaries,  where  no  trav- 
eller for  ages  had  been  safe — and  having  in  his  hand 
no  other  weapon  but  that  of  heavenly  temper, — the 
doctrine  of  “Christ  and  him  crucified,”  compelling 
them  to  abandon  their  vices,  cultivate  their  lands, 
and  adopt  the  Bible  as  their  code  of  laws?  But, 
thousands  of  instances  are  on  record,  where  a single 
missionary,  putting  his  trust  in  the  Lord,  has  fearlessly 
ventured  into  the  heart  of  Satan’s  kingdom, — collect- 
ed many  precious  trophies  of  graoe,  and  returned  in 


25 


safety  with  his  spoils  to  share  the  triumphs  of  Im- 
manuel. 

3.  Perhaps  to  other  evidences  of  a divine  call  to 
this  employment,  I ought  to  add,  the  possession  of  a 
strong  and  improved  mind.  Such  evidence  at  least 
existed  in  the  case  of  Saul  and  Barnabas.  I would 
not  be  understood  to  say  that  ordinary  or  even  in- 
ferior powers,  under  the  influence  of  ardent  love  and 
strong  faith,  may  not  fill  up  some  departments  of 
missionary  labor  with  great  advantage; — much  less 
that  any  portion  of  talent  can  supersede  the  necessity 
of  spiritual  qualifications.  But  the  difficulties  already 
enumerated  as  opposing  the  progress  of  truth  in 
heathen  countries;  and  the  necessity  of  furnishing  cor- 
rect and  numerous  translations  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, clearly  evince  the  importance,  not  only  of  much 
patient  study,  but  of  a mind  originally  fitted  for  large 
acquisitions,  and  well  furnished  with  those  principles 
of  natural  and  metaphysical  science,  that  cannot  safely 
be  overlooked  in  the  defence  of  divine  truth  against 
the  philosophical  errors,  that  enter  essentially  into 
every  system  of  pagan  faith. 

It  is  a fact,  not  to  be  mentioned  without  gratitude 
to  God,  that  a large  proportion  of  the  ordained  mis- 
sionaries, at  present  employed  among  the  heathen, 
are  among  the  most  learned  as  well  as  the  most  hum- 
ble men  of  this  generation.  Having  superior  talents, 
hearts  glowing  with  love  to  the  millions  for  whom 
they  labor — strong  faith  in  the  promises  and  provi- 
dences of  God — a cheerful  resignation  to  life  or  death, 
in  the  field  they  have  chosen,  it  cannot  be  a question 
whether  they  are  called  by  the  Holy  Spirit — nor 
4 


26 


whether  they  are  rearing  a temple  to  the  glory  of  Je- 
hovah— composed  of  lively  stones — on  a foundation 
broad  as  the  world,  from  which  ten  thousand  thou- 
sand voices  shall  pour  forth  this  song  unto  the  Lord 
— “he  hath  become  our  salvation,  for  he  hath  tri- 
umphed gloriously.  Who  is  like  unto  thee,  O Lord, 
amongst  the  gods?  who  is  like  thee,  glorious  in  holi- 
ness, fearful  in  praises,  doing  wonders?” 

Thus  I have  endeavored  to  direct  your  attention 
to  the  true  character  of  those  missionary  labors,  which 
are  so  loudly  called  for  at  this  day — and  to  point  out 
some  of  those  evidences,  which  ought  to  be  exhibited 
by  missionaries,  in  proof  that  they  are  called  by  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

And  now  permit  me  to  say — there  is  not  an  indi- 
vidual in  this  assembly,  who  has  not  a deep  interest 
in  the  subject.  Are  you  a man — ignorant  of  that 
“joy  of  grief,”  excited  by  believing  views  of  the  Lamb 
of  God?  Then  indeed  you  may  not  feel  for  perishing 
nations; — but  remember,  the  time  is  coming — unless 
your  insensibility  yield  to  the  constraining  love  of 
Christ — when  those  heathens  will  rise  up  in  judg- 
ment and  condemn  you, — and  when  the  fact  that  you 
can  contemplate  all  the  movements  now  made  to- 
ward their  conversion  with  indifference,  will  fill  you 
with  everlasting  confusion.  Are  you  a Christian? 
Then  you  have  surrendered  yourself  to  the  Lord  in 
an  everlasting  covenant,  and  are  no  longer  your  own. 
You  rejoice  that  the  King  of  Zion  has  already  girded 
his  sword  on  his  thigh,  and  rides  forth  prosperously 
in  the  cause  of  truth,  meekness  and  righteousness. 
You  will  not  only  shout  hosanna,  but  cast  your  gar- 


'll 


ments  in  the  way;  and  all  that  portion  of  your  sub- 
stance which  can  do  him  honor. 

Who  then  is  on  the  Lord’s  side?  I feel  the  more 
confidence  in  pressing  this  inquiry  on  every  conscience, 
at  the  present  moment,  because  I know  there  cannot 
be  such  an  anomaly  in  the  kingdom  of  God,  as  a 
Christian  who  does  not  rejoice  in  the  triumphs  of  the 
cross.  The  Christian’s  interest  and  happiness  are 
identified  with  the  prosperity  of  Zion — his  heaven 
begins  in  his  devotion  to  Christ  in  the  present  world. 
Do  you  then  know  the  extent  of  the  devastations  sin 
has  made?  and  the  only  method  by  which  they  can  be 
repaired?  and  the  obligations  that  rest  on  you  to  send 
the  Gospel  to  every  creature?  If  you  know  these 
things — let  conscience  declare  what  is  your  conduct 
— and  whether  you  have  in  truth  arrayed  yourselves 
on  the  Lord’s  side. 

The  solemnities  of  this  day  are  not  essentially  dis- 
similar from  those  at  Antioch,  when  Saul  and  Barna- 
bas received  the  imposition  of  hands  from  the  breth- 
ren, and  were  sent  away  to  their  missionary  labors — r 
nay  more,  they  cannot  fail  to  remind  us  of  the  part- 
ing scene  at  Bethany,  when  Jesus  gave  to  his  disciples 
their  commission  with  his  blessing,  and  ascended  to 
heaven  to  receive  gifts  for  them. 

Not  often  is  there  an  assembly  convened  for  such 
a purpose.  It  is  to  us  a precious  privilege  to  wit- 
ness the  designation  of  these  two  beloved  disciples  to 
go  to  Jerusalem; — to  the  birth-place  of  Jesus  our 
Prince  and  Savior; — to  the  scene  of  his  personal  in- 
structions— his  sufferings — his  death — his  resurrec- 
tion and  ascension  to  heaven.  They  go  on  an  errand 


28 


of  mercy — to  proclaim  that  “He  is  risen  indeed,” 
and  that  “he  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession” — to 
gather  the  outcasts  of  Israel,  and  the  dispersed  of 
Judah — to  summon  the  world  to  meet  on  his  holy 
hill  of  Zion.  They  know  not  what  shall  befal  them 
there.  Perhaps  bonds  and  imprisonments  await 
them.  Their  trust  is  in  God.  But  have  they  no 
claims  on  us?  Are  they  not  our  messengers,  as  well  as 
the  ambassadors  of  Christ?  Do  they  not  go  for  us  to 
fulfil  the  last  injunction  of  our  dear  Redeemer?  Yes, 
brethren;  and  do  I not'  hear  you  say,  we  will  never 
forget  them — we  will  never  cease  to  pray  for  them 
— they  shall  never  want  any  good  thing  in  the  power 
of  our  hand  to  bestow?  Well  then — let  heaven  re- 
cord our  vows  to  day — and  if  we  no  more  see  their 
faces  in  the  flesh, — when  we  meet  them  at  the 
bar  of  God,  let  it  be  their  testimony  of  us  that  we 
have  been  faithful. 

You,  brethren,  beloved  for  Jesus’  sake,  having 
freely  devoted  yourselves  to  the  work  of  the  Lord, 
and  looking  forward  with  strong  desire  to  the  com- 
mencement of  your  labors  on  missionary  ground,  will 
love  to  remember,  that  you  are  treading  the  path,  in 
which  Saul  and  Barnabas  have  gone  before  you — and 
that  the  same  Jesus,  who  left  not  his  disciples  comfort- 
less, when  he  was  received  up  to  the  right  hand  of 
God,  still  says  to  you,  “Lo!  I am  with  you  always.” 
He  will  be  on  your  right  hand  and  on  your  left;  he 
will  go  before  you  and  be  your  rereward.  I need  not 
tell  you,  that  those  of  our  countrymen,  who  have  gone 
before  you,  in  earlier  or  later  times,  have  found  these 


29 


promises  verified.  A falling  Warren  and  Mills  could 
testify  with  their  expiring  breath  to  the  faithfulness  of 
Jesus;  and  that  father  of  missionaries,  that  prince  in 
our  Israel,  who  so  lately  fell  the  victim  of  ceaseless 
care,  in  his  last  moments  was  comforted,  “because  he 
had  been  enabled  to  do  something  toward  the  great 
object,”  to  which  you  this  day  pledge  your  lives — 
your  all. — Here — I should  love  to  stop  with  you — 
and  listen  to  the  plaintive  accents  of  the  daughter  of 
Zion,  as  she  bends  over  the  grave  of  her  beloved 
Worcester.  But  no! — “onward” — is  the  voice  of  the 
immortal  Spirit  that  has  quit  the  tenement,  in  which 
it  so  long  struggled  with  sin  and  death: — “onward,”  let 
our  hearts  respond — onward  in  the  path  so  gloriously 
illumined — and  leading  so  straight  to  rivers  of  pleas- 
ure at  God's  right  hand. 

Wherever  you  go — and  wherever  God  may  de- 
termine the  bounds  of  your  habitation,  you  will  be 
followed  by  the  prayers  and  blessings  of  thousands  in 
your  own  land;  and  we  trust  by  the  blessing  of  thou- 
sands ready  to  perish  in  heathen  lands.  Only  be 
faithful  unto  the  death; — and  whether  you  wander 
amid  the  desolations  of  Jerusalem,  or  on  the  banks  of 
the  Ganges; — or  in  the  forests  that  stretch  toward  the 
setting  sun; — whether  you  fall  by  pining  sickness,  or 
by  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness,  or  by  the 
hand  of  violence,  you  will  meet  the  approbation  of 
your  Savior — and  awake  in  the  morning  of  the  resur- 
rection to  hear  him  say  to  you,  and  to  all  saved  from 
sin  by  your  instrumentality — “Well  done  good  and 
faithful  servants,  enter  ye  into  the  joys  ofyour  Lord.” 

\ 


■ — 


THE  CHARGE, 

BY  THE  REV.  DANIEL  THOMAS,  A.  M. 

PASTOR  OF  THE  SECOND  CBURCH  IN  A BINOTON. 


Dear  Brethren, 

Deeply  interesting  to  us  all,  and  especially  to  you,  are  the 
transactions  of  this  day.  God  has  brought  you  to  this  hallowed 
place,  in  which,  by  the  imposition  of  hands,  and  by  prayer,  you 
have  been  publicly  and  solemnly  consecrated  to  the  sacred  office 
of  the  Gospel  Ministry,  with  a view  to  your  being  sent  forth  to 
the  Jews  and  the  Heathen,  as  Missionaries  and  Evangelists.  There 
is  reason  to  conclude,  that  these  transactions  will  be  followed  by 
consequences  to  you,  and  to  Zion,  and  to  the  universe,  which  will 
be  continually  unfolding  and  extending  through  the  whole  course 
of  endless  duration.  We  hope  nd  trust,  that  you  will  so  discharge 
the  duties  of  the  holy  office,  with  which  you  are  invested,  and  so 
perform  the  particular  service  on  which  your  eyes  and  hearts 
have  long  been  fixed,  as  to  be  able  to  review  these  solemnities, 
and  contemplate  their  momentous  results,  with  tranquillity  and  joy 
through  life,  in  the  hour  of  death,  and  at  the  tribunal  of  God. 

But  yet,  on  this  deeply  impressive  and  affecting  occasion,  it  will 
be  neither  improper  nor  unseasonable,  affectionately  to  urge  you 
to  ceaseless  fidelity  in  the  arduous  and  self-denying  work,  which 
you  have  deliberately  chosen;  to  which  you  arc  separated;  and  on 
which  you  expect  and  hope  shortly  to  enter.  You  will  therefore 
Feadily  receive  a word  of  exhortation  from  your  brethren  of  the 
Council,  by  whom  you  are  now  constituted  Ministers  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  Messengers  of  his  salvation  to  those,  who  “sit  in 
darkness,  and  in  the  region  and  shadow  of  death.” 

And  now,  beloved  brethren,  in  the  name  of  Him,  who  is  Head 
ever  all  things  to  the  church  which  he  hath  purchased  with  his 


32 


i 

own  blood,  and  hath  set  as  a seal  on  his  arm  and  his  heart,  we 
exhort,  we  charge , you  to  make  full  proof  of  your  ministry.  As 
you  would  do  this,  take  good  heed  to  yourselves.  Watch  over 
your  own  hearts,  and  keep  them  with  all  diligence.  Examine 
well  the  nature  of  the  motives  from  which  you  act,  and  see  that 
they  are  pure  and  holy,  that  they  are  such  as  the  heart-searching 
and  rein-trying  God  will  approve.  The  religion  which  you  are 
to  teach  and  recommend  to  others,  and  for  whose  universal 
spread  and  triumph,  we  trust,  your  fervent  prayers  ascend  daily 
to  the  throne  of  everlasting  mercy,  consists  in  that  charity  which 
“seeketh  not  her  own,”  and  which  “is  the  bond  of  perfectness.” 
It  is  this,  and  this  on/y, ‘that  suffereth  long,  and  is  kind;  that  think- 
eth  no  evil;  that  rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity,  but  in  the  truth;  that 
is  full  of  mercy  and  good  fruits;  and  that  beareth  all  things,  hopeth 
all  things,  believeth  all  things,  endureth  all  things.’  Without  this 
disinterested  charity,  without  this  holy  love  to  God,  and  Christ, 
and  perishing  souls,  ministers  would  be  nothing  but  sounding  brass, 
though  they  should  understand  all  mysteries  and  all  knowledge, 
and  speak  with  the  tongues  of  angels.  Let  this  love,  therefore, 
O ye  men  of  God,  burn  in  your  hearts  with  an  uniform,  increas- 
ing, quenchless  flame. 

From  the  peculiar  nature  of  the  work  before  you,  there  is 
reason  to  expect  that  peculiar  difficulties  and  trials  await  you; 
such  as  will  require  far  more  than  an  ordinary  share  of  wisdom, 
of  prudence,  of  patience,  of  fortitude,  and  of  constancy,  to  prepare 
you  to  meet  and  pass  through  them,  in  a manner  that  shall  do 
honor  to  the  precious,  glorious  cause  in  which  you  have  em- 
barked. Labor  therefore  to  become  eminent  in  these  virtues, 
which  are  so  necessary  to  arm  you  for  the  conflict.  And  let  no 
anticipated  or  unanticipated  difficulties  and  trials,  should  they  ac- 
tually overtake  you,  move  your  steadfast  souls;  neither  count  ye 
your  lives  dear  unto  yourselves,  so  that  you  may  finish  your 
course  with  joy,  and  the  ministry  which  you  have  received  of 
the  Lord  Jesus,  to  testify  the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God;  but 
esteem  the  toils,  and  sacrifices,  and  sufferings,  and  reproaches  to 
which  you  may  be  called  for  Christ’s  sake,  greater  riches  than  all 
the  treasures  and  glories  of  the  created  universe. 

Whenever  and  wherever  divine  Providence  shall  open  the  way 
for  you  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  others,  we  charge  you  to  preach 


33 


it  plainly  and  fully,  remembering  that  those  whom  you  may  ad- 
dress, will  stand  in  perishing  need  of  the  great  salvation,  which  it 
reveals  and  offers.  To  this  end  you  must  preach  to  them  the 
message  that  God  bids  you,  and  not  diminish  a word.  That  you 
may  do  this  in  a proper  manner,  it  is  necessary  that  you  study 
with  diligence  the  holy  Oracles,  which  are  able  to  make  both 
you  and  your  hearers  wise  unto  salvation,  through  faith  that  is  in 
Christ  Jesus.  Since  “all  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God,” 
you  will  readily  perceive,  that  it  “is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for 
reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness;  that  the 
man  ofGod  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good 
works.”  Should  you  preach  the  Gospel  in  a clear  and  distin- 
guishing manner,  you  will  approve  yourselves  to  the  consciences 
of  sinners,  and  to  both  the  consciences  and  hearts  of  saints.  Preach 
doctrinally,  as  well  as  practically.  It  is,  indeed,  certain,  that  the 
peculiar  and  distinguishing  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  lie  at  the  foun- 
dation of  all  true  morality  and  piety.  There  is  no  holy  practice, 
there  is  no  evangelical  obedience,  but  that  which  flows  from  the 
belief  and  love  of  Gospel  truth.  In  your  preaching,  as  far  as 
possible,  imitate  Him,  who  spake  as  never  man  spake;  and  then 
your  discourses  will  be  highly  doctrinal,  and  practical,  and  im- 
pressive, and  powerful;  and  those  to  whom  you  speak,  will  feel 
that  they  can  neither  hear  and  love,  nor  hear  and  hate  the  mes- 
sages which  you  bring  them  from  the  Lord,  without  ripening 
apace,  by  the  means,  for  endless  joy,  or  for  endless  woe.  A faith- 
ful exhibition  of  the  doctrines  and  precepts  of  the  Gospel,  is  cal- 
culated to  edif\r,  quicken,  and  comfort  saints;  to  enlighten,  con- 
vince and  reclaim  sinners;  to  extend  the  empire  of  holiness  and 
peace;  and  to  display  the  glory  ofGod.  As,  therefore,  you  would 
promote,  in  the  most  effectual  manner,  these  great  and  benevo- 
lent objects,  let  it  be  your  constant  aim  to  declare  all  the  counsel 
of  God,  to  preach  the  whole  truth  with  the  utmost  plainness.  In 
so  doing,  like  Paul  and  his  associates,  you  will  be  pure  from  the 
blood  of  all  men;  and,  like  them  too,  you  will  be  unto  God  a sweet 
savor  of  Christ,  both  in  them  that  are  saved,  and  in  them  that  per- 
ish under  your  ministry.  And  while  you  preach  the  everlasting 
Gospel  to  your  fellow  creatures,  be  careful  always  to  display  be- 
fore them,  in  your  own  lives,  much  of  its  transcendent  excellence 
and  loveliness.  Let  the  light  of  your  example,  as  men,  as  Chris- 

5 


34 


Bans,  and  as  ministers,  shine  far  around  you,  and  shine  with  ever 
increasing,  expanding  radiance.  Vain  is  the  preaching  of  that 
minister,  however  orthodox,  and  learned,  and  eloquent  he  may 
be,  who  does  not  live  in  accordance  with  what  he  preaches.  A 
holy  life  speaks  to  the  conscience  and  the  heart  with  eloquence 
most  persuasive  and  overpowering. 

Should  God  Almighty,  by  the  effusions  of  his  Spirit,  bless  your 
labors  to  the  conviction  and  conversion  of  sinners,  you  may  then 
be  called  to  gather  churches,  to  administer  the  seals  of  the  cove- 
nant of  grace,  and  to  lead  in  the  discipline  of  Christ’s  house.  In 
performing  these  official  duties,  the  right  performance  of  which 
is  so  essential  to  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  Zion,  see  that  you 
adhere  strictly  to  Gospel  rules.  Admit  to  Christian  fellowship 
and  communion  such  only  as  give  scriptural  evidence  of  being 
the  true  followers  of  Christ.  Baptize  visible  believers  and  their 
households;  and  administer  the  holy  discipline  which  Christ  has 
instituted  in  his  church,  with  tenderness,  with  firmness,  and  with 
impartiality.  Should  you  in  Providence  be  invited  to  assist  in 
ordaining  others  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  be  cautious  and  de- 
liberate. “Lay  hands  suddenly  on  no  man.”  Never  give  your 
voice  to  introduce  those  into  the  pastoral  office,  who  appear  to 
be  destitute  of  the  requisite  qualifications.  It  will  be  your  duty 
also  to  visit  the  sick  and  dying,  where,  often,  a combination  of 
circumstances  may  render  giving  them  suitable  instruction  and 
warning  extremely  difficult  and  perplexing.  But  remember,  that 
you  must  shortly  meet  them  at  the  bar  of  God;  and  be  faithful 
to  their  departing  spirits. 

The  various  duties  of  your  highly  responsible  station,  as  minis- 
ters, and  especially  as  missionaries,  are  more  arduous  hnd  difficult 
than  any  imagine,  who  have  not  been  called  to  discharge  them. 
Nor  could  the  most  enlarged  capacities,  stored  with  all  the 
treasures  of  science  and  philosophy,  without  “an  unction  from  the 
holy  One,”  qualify  and  enable  you  to  perform  these  duties  accept- 
ably to  God.  You  should  labor,  therefore,  to  obtain  and  cherish 
a deep  and  habitual  sense  of  your  own  insufficiency,  and  of  your 
entire  and  constant  dependence  upon  God.  This  will  naturally 
lead  you  to  trust  in  him,  to  cast  your  burdens  upon  him,  and  to 
pour  out  your  hearts  before  him,  at  all  times.  Daily  commit 
yourselves  .and  your  work  to  God,  in  humble,  fervent,  effectual 


35 


•prayer.  Do  this,  and  his  grace  will  be  sufficient  for  you.  Do  this, 
and  he  will  teach  you  how  to  preach  and  how  to  live,  and  will 
make  your  preaching  and  lives  eminently  instrumental  to  the 
promotion  ot'  his  glory,  and  the  advancement  of  his  cause. 

Your  vows  to  leave  forever,  if  God  will,  your  native  land,  and  all 
its  rich  and  manifold  blessings,  and  go  far  hence  to  spend  your 
days  in  labors  and  watchings,  in  perils  and  distresses,  for  the  re- 
building of  Zion  in  that  interesting  land,  where  her  divine  Re- 
deemer was  born,  where  he  preached  and  wrought  miracles,  and 
where  he  suffered,  bled  and  died;  these  your  solemn  vows,  be- 
loved brethren,  are  entered  on  the  records  of  eternity,  are  regis- 
tered in  the  book  of  God's  remembrance.  Go  forth,  then,  in  the 
strength  of  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob,  and  perform  them.  You 
will  have  the  prayers  of  all  who  pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem. 
Go  forth,  and  let  the  same  patient,  disinterested,  dauntless,  uncon- 
querable spirit  be  in  you,  which  was  in  Elliot,  and  Brainerd,  and 
Swartz,  and  Martyn,  and  other  distinguished  missionaries,  who  are 
gene  to  their  reward;  yea,  rather,  let  the  same  mind  be  in  you, 
which  was  in  their  Divine  Master,  who  endured  the  cross,  and 
despised  the  shame;  and  stay  yourselves  on  his  unchanging  prom- 
ise; uLo,  I am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end.” 

In  conclusion,  we  charge  you  before  God,  and  angels,  and  men, 
that  ye  be  faithful  unto  death;  and  when  He  who  is  the  believer’s 
life  shall  appear,  then  shall  ye  also  appear  with  him  in  glory. 
Amen. 


RIGHT  HAND  OF  FELLOWSHIP, 

BY  THE  REV.  SAMUEL  GREEN, 

OF  READING. 


Beloved  Brethren, 

The  present  is  an  occasion  big-  with  interest  both  to  you  and 
us;  and,  we  doubt  not,  to  angels,  and  to  Him,  who  is  King  on  the 
holy  hill  of  Zion. 

You  have  here  been  publicly  set  apart  by  prayer,  and  the  laying 
on  of  the  hands  of  the  presbytery,  and  solemnly  charged  with  the 
embassy  of  glad  tidings  to  a people  wandering  in  the  mazes  of  de- 
lusion, and  perishing  for  lack  of  knowledge.  Now  before  we 
take  our  last  farewell  of  you,  and  bid  you  God  speed  on  your 
holy  enterprise,  the  grateful  office  is  assigned  me  of  expressing 
to  you  our  sympathy,  and  most  cordial  Christian  fellow  ship.  It  is 
a ceremony,  equally  the  dictate  of  that  oneness  of  soul,  which  ex- 
ists among  all  the  soldiers  of  the  cross,  and  of  apostolic  example; 
not  in  the  present  case,  expressive  of  the  fraternal  regards  of 
this  council,  or  of  the  churches  thejr  represent  merely,  but  of 
the  whole  Christian  communitj-,  who  rejoice  to  claim  you  as 
their  heralds  to  the  heathen.  Thousands  of  kindred  spirits,  not 
only  in  this  land  of  your  nativity,  but  in  other  climes,  will  feel  a 
new  glow  of  benevolent  desire,  and  their  love  to  the  souls  of  the 
heathen,  and  to  the  Lamb  that  bought  them  with  his  blood,  will 
be  fanned  to  a brighter  flame,  as  they  contemplate  the  object  of 
this  day’s  solemnities.  While  engaged  in  preparation,  or  tossed 
on  the  pathless  ocean,  or  occupied  in  your  work  of  high  respon- 
sibilities, they  will  follow  you  w ith  a look  of  the  deepest  interest, 
and  often  lift  the  imploring  eye  and  hand  to  heaven  for  an  effusion 
ot  spiritual  blessings  upon  you. 

The  real  servants  of  Christ  in  every  age,  and  in  every  region, 
are  moved  by  the  same  Spirit,  and  are  members  of  the  same  body, 


that  when  one  member  suffers,  others  suffer  with  it;  the  joy  of 
one  is  the  joy  of  all;  and  the  success  of  one,  is  the  success  of  all. 

“The  saints  on  earth,  ami  all  the  dead, 

But  one  communion  make.” 

They  are  all  laborers  in  Christ’s  vineyard, — and  what  if  their 
portions  of  toil,  while  here  below,  be  not  side  by  side;  they  serve 
the  same  Master,  are  encouraged  by  the  same  promises,  replenish- 
ed from  the  same  unfailing  fountain,  animated  with  the  prospect 
of  the  same  recompense,  and  cheered  with  the  certainty  that 
they  shall  all  meet  at  last  and  rejoice  together  in  their  Father’s 
house. 

Accept,  then,  dear  Brethren  in  Christ,  this  right  hand,  and 
with  it  the  sympathies,  the  blessings,  and  the  prayers  of  the 
churches  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  of  us  his  ministers.  By 
this  we  do  solemnly  declare,  in  the  presence  of  this  assembly, 
attendant  angels,  and  before  Zion’s  King,  that  we  do  embrace  you 
as  beloved  brethren  in  the  fellowship  of  the  Gospel,  experimental- 
ly acquainted  with  its  great  truths,  endowed  with  missionary  gifts, 
and  firmly  established  on  the  foundation  of  the  apostles,  and 
prophets,  Jesus  Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner  stone;  as 
having  an  equal  right  with  us  to  officiate  at  the  altar,  and  to 
manage  the  concerns  of  God’s  house. 

Accept  it  as  a pledge  of  an  endearing  remembrance  in  our 
hearts,  when  your  voices  shall  no  longer  be  heard  within  the 
walls  of  our  American  Zion.  Though  the  Atlantic  roll  its  tide  be- 
twixt us,  forget  you  we  will  not,  we  cannot.  Morning  and  even- 
ing, when  we  encircle  with  our  households  the  family  altar,  amidst 
other  objects  calculated  to  excite  our  sympathy,  and  call  forth  the 
fervor  of  devotion,  we  will  remember  our  brethren  who  have  left 
father  and  mother,  and  the  privileges  of  Christian  society  for  a 
life  of  labor,  and  self-denial,  among  the  heathen.  We  will  bear 
you  on  our  hearts,  too,  before  the  throne  of  grace  in  our  closets. 
There,  while  we  hold,  singly  and  alone,  intercourse  with  that 
God,  that  seeth  in  secret,  we  will  never  cease  to  make  mention  of 
you,  and  wrestle  with  him  for  your  success.  In  the  great  congre- 
gation too,  your  circumstances  shail  not  fail  of  being  mentioned  at 
the  mercy  seat.  And  especially  on  the  first  Monday  in  every 
month,  when  the  sun  as  he  travels  through  the  heavens,  beholds 


38 


■flat  whole  Christian  world  prostrate  before  God,  with  this  prayer 
in  every  mouth,  or  in  every  heart,  uTky  kingdom  come;'1'1  our  dear 
brethren  in  Palestine,  where  Jesus  taught  this  prayer,  and  where 
his  kingdom  first  began  its  enlargement,  and  where  his  soldiers 
celebrated  their  first  victories,  shall  be  recognized  as  not  the 
least  important  instruments  in  hastening  this  glorious  event. 

The  spirit  of  the  Psalmist  is  stirring  within  us: — “If  we  forget 
thee  0 Jerusalem,  let  our  right  hand  forget  its  cunning.  If  we 
do  not  remember  thee,  let  our  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of  our 
mouth;  if  we  prefer  not  Jerusalem  above  our  chief  joy.”  Again 
shall  a voice  be  heard  in  the  midst  of  thee,  in  accents  melodious 
as  those  which  charmed  the  listening  shepherd  on  the  plains  of 
Bethlehem:  “Arise,  shine;  for  thy  light  is  come  and  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  is  risen  upon  thee.  Break  forth  into  joy;  sing  together, 
ye  waste  places  of  Jerusalem;  for  the  Lord  hath  comforted  his 
people;  he  hath  redeemed  Jerusalem.  Thy  watchmen  shall  lift 
up  their  voice.” 

We  doubt  not,  but  you  feel  borne  down  under  the  weight  of 
your  solemn  charge.  To  be  invested  with  the  sacred  office  of  the 
Christian  ministry;  and  to  be  the  chosen  ambassadors  of  Jehovah, 
and  sentforth  on  the  high  errand  of  a world’s  redemption,  under  all 
-the  advantages  of  a Christian  community— surrounded  with  brethren 
who  bestow  on  us  their  sympathies  and  their  counsels — by  Chris- 
tians, whose  presence  animates,  and  strengthens  us — preceded, 
wherever  we  go,  by  light,  and  knowledge,  which  have  removed 
a thousand  barriers  to  our  success; — the  ministry,  even  under 
these  circumstances,  puts  in  requisition  all  our  resources  of  wis- 
dom, patience,  and  self-denial. 

Often,  when  we  look  at  our  people,  and  go  forward  with  them 
in  imagination  to  the  judgment  day;  when  we  contemplate  our  du- 
ties, and  think  what  a hold  they  all  take  on  eternity;  we  cannot 
forbear  exclaiming,  Lord,  who  is  sufficient  for  these  things!  Is  this 
work  assigned  frail,  dying  man!  are  earthen  vessels  the  destined 
depositories  of  such  a treasure!  Blessed  Redeemer,  why  was  not 
•ibis  glorious  dispensation  entrusted  to  some  of  those  exalted  an- 
gels, who  encircle  thy  throne,  and  who  are  as  flames  of  fire  to  do 
thy  will?  Surely  it  is  a service  which  Gabriel  might  envy,  but,  a' 
its  responsibilities,  Gabriel  would  tremble! 


39 


This  great  work  is  now  committed  to  you  under  circumstance* 
of  additional  moment. — You  are  henceforth  to  labor  as  Christ1* 
commissioned  servants,  not  in  a vineyard,  already  in  a high  state 
*>f  cultivation,  and  surrounded  by  fellow  laborers;  but  in  a barren 
waste — once  indeed  the  field  where  Jesus  and  his  apostles  toiled,, 
and  where  a rich  harvest  was  at  length  gained;  but  that,  ages  since, 
has  been  all  gathered  into  God’s  garner,  and  those  who  reaped  it 
are  gone  to  rest.  You  may,  here  and  there,  find  a mouldering 
relic,  but  sin  like  a flood  has  rolled  its  dark  waters  over  all  those 
regions,  and  left  nothing  but  spiritual  desolation. 

Called  upon,  as  you  are,  to  execute  tbe  duties  of  your  office 
under  circumstances  of  peculiar  embarrassment,  you  are  entitled  to 
no  ordinary  share  of  our  Christian  sympathies.  You  go  bound  in 
the  Spirit  unto  Jerusalem,  not  knowing  the  things  which  shall  befal 
you  there.  The  follower  of  the  false  prophet  will  look  upon  you 
with  the  eye  of  jealousy;  you  cannot  flatter  him  with  the  prospect 
of  a heaven  of  voluptuousness,  nor  encourage  him  in  his  course  of 
rapine  and  blood,  by  the  promise  that  he  will  thus  obtain  the  fa- 
vor of  God.  You  cannot  tell  the  Jew  of  a temporal  deliverer;  and 
your  very  name  fixes  on  his  nation  the  guilt  of  a foul  deed,  at  the 
perpetration  of  whieh  the  sun  hid  his  face,  and  the  pillars  of  the 
earth  trembled.  The  Greek  will  with  difficulty  be  made  to  look 
out  through  the  lumber  of  pictures  and  ceremonies,  which  ages  of 
ignorance  and  superstition  have  collected  around  him.  Reluc- 
tantly will  he  turn  his  eye  from  the  pomp  of  so  ceremonious  a 
worship,  and  fix  it  on  that  simplicity,  and  spirituality  of  devotion 
which  alone,  you,  as  the  faithful  servants  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  can 
approve  and  exemplify. 

You  go  to  the  land  where  they  crucified  him,  whom  you  cal! 
Lord  and  Master.  The  prince  of  darkness  still  reigns  there,  and 
the  disciple  is  not  above  his  Master,  nor  the  servant  above  his 
Lord;  }'ou  may  be  led  to  Calvary,  or  some  blood  stained  spot,  to 
seal  the  truth  of  your  mission  by  the  sacrifice  of  your  life,  and  to  en- 
circle your  brow  with  a martyr’s  crown.  The  spirits  of  thousands 
of  holy  martyrs  have  fled  from  Palestine,  and  are  this  moment 
rejoicing  before  the  throne  of  God,  and  the  Lamb.  Not  one  of 
them  laments  the  sacrifices  and  sufferings  endured  here  for  the 
dear  name  of  Jesus. — You  may  be  destined  soon  to  swrel!  their 


song. 


40 


But,  dear  Brethren,  we  hope  a different  scene  awaits  you.  We 
believe  that  He  who  has  said  to  Jerusalem,  and  to  the  cities  of 
Judah,  “Ye  shall  be  built,  and  to  the  temple,  thy  foundation  shall 
be  laid,”  has  appointed  you,  in  that  interesting  portion  of  the 
world,  many  years  of  successful  labor.  Be  not  dismayed  at  the 
sword  of  the  merciless  Turk,  nor  at  the  ravages  of  the  wide- 
wasting  plague,  for  He  will  be  there,  in  whose  hands  are  the 
hearts  of  all,  and  who  holds  the  keys  of  death  and  hell,  and  who 
has  said,  Lo,  I am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world. 
The  name  of  the  God  of  Jacob  defend  you — be  your  shield  and 
buckler,  and  then  the  sun  shall  not  smite  you  by  day,  nor  the 
moon  by  night.  “You  shall  not  be  afraid  of  the  pestilence  that  walk- 
eth  in  darkness,  nor  of  the  destruction  that  wasteth  at  noon  day — 
a thousand  shall  fall  at  your  side,  and  ten  thousand  at  your  right 
hand;  hut  it  shall  not  come  nigh  you.” 

We  congratulate  you  on  your  engagement  in  this  high  enter- 
prise, at  a day  when  there  is  much  to  encourage  you.  The  Sun 
of  Righteousness  is  appearing  in  his  glory,  and  throwing  his  beams 
over  the  earth,  and  Illuminating  many  of  its  darkest  corners.  The 
gods  that  have  not  made  the  heavens  and  the  earth  will  soon 
perish  from  off  this  earth,  and  from  under  these  heavens.  Their 
own  worshippers  begin  to  confess  them  to  be  vanity  and  a lie,  and 
to  cast  them  to  the  moles  and  to  the  bats.  The  loud  note  of  prep- 
aration is  heard  from  Asia,  and  from  Africa,  from  the  islands  of  the 
Pacific,  and  from  our  western  wilderness,  “Cast  up,  cast  up  a high 
way  for  our  God;”  nor  less  animating  is  the  voice  of  that  unexam- 
pled earnestness  of  prayer,  and  union  of  effort  so  prevalent 
throughout  Christendom. 

Go  then,  brethren,  blow  the  trumpet  of  salvation  in  the  ears  of 
the  deluded  and  enslaved  millions  of  Palestine;  bid  the  blind  see, 
and  the  dead  in  sin  awake,  and  the  prisoners  come  forth  from  their 
prison  houses.  Go,  with  the  dear  partners  of  your  sufferings,  and 
of  your  triumphs,  boldly  tread  the  path  of  Martyn,  of  Brainerd,  and 
of  the  great  apostle  of  the  gentiles.  May  their  mantle  fall  on  you, 
and  a success  greater  than  theirs  attend  your  labors. 

No  one  possessing  the  spirit  of  Christ  can  forbear  feeling  a 
community  of  interest  with  you  in  this  glorious  work.  We,  that 
remain  at  home,  will  not  be  unmindful  of  your  sacrifices.  You 
embark  in  a cause  dearer  to  our  hearts  than  life  itself.  When 


41 


your  voice  is  heard  across  the  Atlantic  for  more  laborers,  for  our 
prayers,  or  our  pecuniary  aid,  God  forbid  that  our  cars  should  be 
deaf,  or  our  hearts  cold. 

You  look  around  you,  and  behold  many  dear  relatives  and 
friends; — we  know  that  in  the  surrender  you  make  of  them,  or 
theirs  of  you,  neither  confer  with  flesh  and  blood.  You  are 
bound  to  them  by  a thousand  tender  ties.  They  know  not  how  to 
give  you  up,  how  to  cast  on  you  the  last  lingering  look;  till  they 
meet  you  disrobed  of  mortality.  But  1 trust  you  feel  the  constrain- 
ing love  of  Christ;  and  standing  on  the  high  ground  of  faith,  can 
say  with  Paul,  “what  mean  ye  to  weep,  and  to  break  mine  heart, 
for  I am  not  only  ready  to  be  bound,  but  to  die  also  at  Jerusalem, 
for  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus.” 

Once  more  we  say,  dearly  beloved  brethren,  accept  this  right 
hand — may  the  eternal  Spirit,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  rest 
upon  you,  and  accompany  you  in  all  your  labors  and  sufferings. 

And  finally,  after  having  fought  a good  fight,  kept  the  faith,  and 
turned  many  from  darkness  unto  light,  may  we  meet  you  on  mount 
Zion  above,  and  hear  you  tell,  in  seraphic  strains,  how  faithful  you 
found  Christ;  and  how  gloriously  you  saw  him  triumph  in  Pales- 
tine; and,  through  eternity,  unite  our  voices  with  the  redeemed 
out  of  every  kindred,  and  tongue  and  people,  in  the  song  of  MoseS 
and  the  Lamb.  Amen. 


9 


ADDRESS 


TO  THE  PALESTINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

BY  THE  REV.  SERENO  E.  DWIGIIT, 

OF  B06T0N. 


It  is  probably  known  to  my  audience,  that  this  part  of  our  Com- 
monwealth was  selected,  as  the  scene  of  the  interesting  solem- 
nities, which  we  have  just  witnessed,  in  consequence  of  the  for- 
mation, during  the  past  summer,  of  a Missionary  Society,  consisting 
of  the  ministers  and  numerous  members  of fourteen  neighbouring 
churches  and  congregations.  The  design  of  the  society  is  to  sup- 
port at  least  one  missionary  to  Palestine.  That  event  is  one  of 
no  ordinary  interest  to  Christ  and  his  Church.  The  fact,  that  so 
many,  and  so  respectable  Churches  have  discovered,  at  the  same 
moment , a deep  and  practical  interest  in  the  cause  of  missions; 
is  in  itself  a delightful  circumstance.  Still  more  gratifying  is  it  to 
learn,  that,  for  the  accomplishment  of  their  benevolent  purpose, 
they  are  associated  as  one  body , in  a regular,  organized  society.  It 
assures  us  that  their  efforts  will  be  concentrated,  systematic,  and 
permanent.  It  leads  us  also  to  hope,  that  an  example  of  Christian 
benevolence,  so  well  directed  and  so  honorable  to  its  possessors, 
will  be  extensively  followed.  And  what  crowns  the  interest, 
which,  as  Christians,  we  have  felt  in  this  event,  is  the  region  of  the 
■world,  selected  by  the  Society,  for  the  labors  of  its  Missionary:  a 
region,  which  no  Christian  can  think  of  without  remembering,  that 
to  it  he  is  indebted  for  all  the  blessings  which  he  enjoys  in  the 
present  life,  and  for  all  which  he  hopes  for  in  the  life  to  come. 


43 


It  need  not  be  said,  that  the  The  American  Board  ok  Commis- 
sioners for  Foreign  Missions  feel  at  least  their  share  of  in- 
terest in  an  event  so  auspicious  to  their  cause.  It  is  at  the  request 
of  their  Prudential  Committee,  beloved  brethren  of  these  associated 
churches,  that  I this  day  address  you.  It  could  have  been  wished, 
for  your  sakes,  that  the  proposal  of  such  an  address  hail  been 
made  at  an  earlier  season.  Yet  your  Christian  candor  and  kindness 
will  allow  me  to  express  to  you,  even  with  little  preparation,  the 
instinctive  feelings  of  the  heart. 

Permit  me  then,  Brethren,  with  unfeigned  and  cordial  sympa- 
thy, to  congratulate  you , peculiarly;  as  well  as  the  rest  of  this 
assembly;  on  the  delightful  solemnities  of  this  day.  In  the  exer- 
cise of  Christian  love,  you  had  prepared  your  united  free-will 
offering  to  be  presented  to  your  common  Sav  iour  and  Lord.  This 
offering  was  a Herald  of  Salvation,  whom  you  had  resolved  to  send 
forth  to  publish  the  Gospel  of  peace  on  the  mountains  of  Judah,  and 
to  say  unto  Zion,  ‘Thy  God  reigneth.’ — To  day,  Brethren,  you  have 
seen  him,  and  a beloved  brother  associated  with  him  in  the  same 
work  of  faith  and  labor  of  love,  consecrated  by  prayer  and  the  lay- 
ing on  of  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery,  for  this  honourable  office. 

Is  it  an  interesting  sight  for  a single  church  to  behold  the  man 
of  their  choice  set  apart  for  the  work  of  the  ministry.  To-day,  the 
members  of  no  less  than  fourteen  churches  behold  the  man  of  their 
choice , and  with  him  the  partner  of  his  future  labors,  set  apart  for  the 
same  sacred  employment:  not  indeed  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  them- 
selves; but  (what  is  not  less  interesting  to  an  expanded  benevo- 
lence) to  proclaim  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ  in  that  land, 
the  very  name  of  which  excites  the  liveliest  emotions  in  every 
Christian  bosom.  Was  it  a delightful  occasion  to  a company  of 
Jewish  Christians  assembled  at  Jerusalem;  when  they  beheld  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship  given  by  the  Apostles  to  Paul  and  Barna- 
bas, that  they  should  go  to  the  Gentiles.  To  day,  that  scene  is 
reversed.  A company  of  Gentile  Christians  are  here  assembled 
to  behold  two  brethren,  in  whom  we  think  we  discover  the  same 
grace,  commissioned  in  the  same  manner  to  go  to  Jerusalem.  In 
behalf  of  the  Prudential  Committee;  and,  may  I not  say  in  behalf 
of  three  sister  churches  in  the  metropolis  associated  for  the  same 
benevolent  design;  I tender  you  our  Christian  salutations;  and,  in 
the  name  of  Christ,  we  hid  you  God  speed. 


44 


It  is  to  us  an  interesting  fact,  that  the  first  mission  to  Jerusalem  and 
Palestine  should  have  been  established  by  the  American  Church. 
America  is  the  only  Christian  nation,  which  has  never  persecuted 
the  descendants  of  Israel.  It  w'as  proper,  therefore,  that  she 
should  have  the  honor  of  leading  the  way  in  their  ultimate  resto- 
ration to  the  land  of  their  fathers.  That  land  is  itself  associated 
with  all  that  is  dear  to  our  feelings,  or  animating  to  our  hopes.  It 
is  the  land  concerning  which  God  sware  to  Abraham,  “I  will  surely 
give  it  unto  thee,  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee,  for  an  inheritance.” 
In  it  the  Church  of  God  for  fifteen  centuries  found  its  only  earthly 
habitation.  There  are  the  sepulchres  of  Abraham  and  the  Patri- 
archs, of  Moses  and  the  Prophets,  and  of  the  Apostles  and  Martyrs  of 
Jesus.  There  the  plan  of  redeeming  mercy  was  revealed  through 
successive  ages  by  the  spirit  of  prophecy;  until  in  the  fulness  of 
time,  the  Shepherds  of  Bethlehem,  as  they  watched  their  flocks 
by  night,  heard  the  heavenly  messengers  proclaim  “Glory  to  God 
in  the  highest;  Peace  on  earth;  and  Good  will  to  men;”  because 
“a  Saviour  is  born  in  the  city  of  David,  who  is  Christ  the  Lord.” 
There  the  Son  of  God  lived  as  our  Prophet;  died  as  our  Sacrifice; 
triumphed  over  death  and  the  grave;  appointed  the  conversion  of 
the  world;  and  went  as  our  Forerunner  into  heaven.  There,  too, 
were  educated  and  commissioned,  those  Apostles  and  other  Mission- 
aries to  whom  we,  with  the  rest  of  Christendom,  are  indebted  for 
the  Gospel.  That  land  is  now  also,  in  a most  important  sense,  the 
Land  of  Promise.  I know,  that  for  more  than  seventeen  centu- 
ries, it  has  been  trodden  down  of  the  Gentiles.  Yet  the  God  of 
Israel,  who  brought  back  his  ancient  people  from  Babylon,  has 
given  them  a sure  and  unfailing  promise,  that  he  will  set  his  hand, 
“the  second  time,  to  assemble  the  outcasts  of  Israel,  and  to  gather 
together  the  dispersed  of  Judah,  from  the  four  corners  of  the 
earth.”*  Of  the  fulfilment  of  this  promise,  the  Christian  Church 
will  not  be  an  uninterested  spectator.  Not  only  will  she  behold 
the  Jews  added  to  the  number  of  her  children;  but  their  restora- 
tion will  be  to  the  Gentiles  as  life  from  the  dead. 

Viewed  as  a field  of  Missionary  enterprise , Palestine  possesses 
at  least  equal  interest.  Of  the  countries,  which  compose 
the  empire  of  Mohammed,  it  may  be  regarded  as  the  centre- 


• Is.  xi,  11,  12. 


4j 


The  remotest  limits  of  the  Barbary  States  on  the  S.  W.; 
those  ofTurkey  in  Europe  on  the  N.  \V.;  of  Asia  Minor  on  the  N.; 
of  Tartary  and  Persia  on  the  E.;  and  of  Arabia  and  Egypt  on  the 
S.;  are  about  equally  distant.  Strapge  that  the  Land  of  Promise 
should  have  been,  for  so  many  centuries,  the  centre  of  this  impure 
and  sanguinary  Imposture.  Though  the  followers  ot  Mohammed 
constitute  a compact  population  of  80  millions,  all  of  them  acquaint- 
ed with  one  common  language;  yet,  if  I mistake  uot,  our  own 
Mission  to  Palestine  was  the  first  Protestant  mission  ever  estab- 
lished in  a Mohammedan  country.*  I need  not  ask  the  Christian, 
whether  this  mighty  empire  is  to  be  broken  down;  or  whether 
the  countries,  over  which  it  extends,  are  to  be  given  to  the  Prince 
of  Peace.  The  Christian  has  a sure  word  of  prophecy;  unto 
which  he  takes  heed,  as  unto  a light  shining  in  a dark  place.  By 
that  light  he  discovers,  that  the  days  of  this  empire  are  number- 
ed; and  that  the  deliverance  of  this  vast  and  benighted  region 
dx-aweth  nigh.  For  the  fulfilment  of  this  prophecy  he  does  not 
rely  on  an  arm  of  flesh.  The  musket  and  the  cannon  may  indeed 
prepare  the  way,  by  overturning  the  various  despotisms  by  which 
these  extensive  regions  are  oppressed.  Yet  it  is  only  the  shield 
of  faith,  and  the  sword  of  the  Spirit  wielded  by  the  Christian  Mis- 
sionary, which  are  mighty  through  God  to  the  pulling  down  of 
the  strong  holds  of  Satan.  A Protestant  Mission,  firmly  established 
in  Palestine,  is  therefore  an  object  of  no  ordinary  interest.  Placed 
in  the  very  heart  of  the  Mohammedan  empire,  it  may  propel  the 
streams  of  life  to  its  remotest  extremities. 

Within  the  limits  of  this  empire  all  the  Ancient  churches  of 
Christ  are  to  be  found,  except  one;  and  that  is  in  its  immediate 
vicinity.  The  Greeks  are  a population  of  four  millions;  the 
Armenians  of  two;  and  the  Syrian  Christians  probably  of  one 
more.  The  Coptic  Christians  in  Egypt  are  numerous;  and  the 
Abyssinians  probably  exceed  three  millions.  Here  then  is  a 
Christian  population,  dispersed  over  the  empire  of  Mohammed, 
or  in  its  immediate  neighbourhood,  of  more  than  ten  millions.  All 
of  them,  as  is  found  by  actual  experiment,  are  prepared  to  receive 
the  Scriptures,  and  to  welcome  the  Christian  Missionary.  They 
know  the  vernacular  language  of  their  respective  countries. 
They  are  acquainted  with  the  character,  habits,  and  feelings,  ot 


The  mission  at  Harass,  was  w ithin  the  limits  of  Russia, 


46 


die  people,  and  are  inured  to  the  climate,  and  mode  oF  life;  but 
they  need  the  truth  of  the  Gospel  and  the  grace  of  God.  Now 
they  are  lamps  that  have  not  been  lighted;  and  the  objects  around 
them  are  enveloped  in  darkness.  When  they  are  kindled  from 
the  fires  of  Heaven,  what  a flood  of  light,  will  they  not  shed  on 
the  whole  Mohammedan  world.  Jerusalem  is  their  place  of 
pilgrimage;  and  thither  many  thousands  of  them  repair,  ever}’ 
year,  to  celebrate  the  feasts  of  their  respective  churches.  A band 
of  faithful  missionaries,  stationed  at  Jerusalem,  may  send  the  Bible 
and  other  religious  publications  not  only  through  Egypt,  the 
States  of  Barbary,  Abyssinia,  Arabia,  Persia,  Asia  Minor,  and 
Turkey  in  Europe;  but,  by  the  help  of  the  Armenians,  through 
the  remotest  territories  of  central  Asia. 

Within  these  limits,  also,  are  found  not  less  than  one  half  of 
the  Jews,  now  existing;  all  the  Samaritans;  and  all  the  descend- 
ants of  the  Ten  Tribes.  These  interesting  remnants  of  the  an- 
cient Church  of  Israel  will,  as  they  are  successively  discovered, 
be  within  the  operations  of  the  same  Mission.  Such  is  the  mode 
of  travelling  in  these  countries;  and  so  extensively  is  Jerusalem 
the  common  rendezvous  of  both  Jews  and  Christians;  that  from  it, 
as  a central  point,  the  Missionary  can  act  with  a decisive  efficacy 
on  all  the  various  tribes  in  these  widely  extended  regions.  Where 
then,  let  me  ask,  can  this  world  furnish  a field  of  missionary  labor 
equally  extensive;  equally  interesting  in  itself;  or  one,  the  first 
fruits  of  which  will  be  followed  by  a harvest  equally  abundant. 

Permit  me  also,  Brethren,  to  congratulate  you  on  the  Period , 
when  this  Mission  is  established,  and  when  your  Missionary  is  to 
go  forth.  I here  allude  to  the  widely-extended  convulsions  of  the 
Mohammedan  world,  and  to  the  symptoms  of  decline  and  speedy 
overthrow  every  where  visible  throughout  the  empire  of  the 
False  Prophet.  The  two  eastern  pillars  of  that  empire,  the  king- 
dom of  the  Great  Mogul  and  that  of  Hyder  Ali,  are  dashed  to 
pieces.  Persia  is  rent  asunder,  and  has  become  two  kingdoms. 
The  Persians,  as  a sect,  have  long  been  separated  from  the  more 
western  Mohammedans.  An  extensive  and  rapidly  increasing  apos- 
tasy from  Islam*  now  exists  in  the  province  of  Fars,  in  Persia; 
and  a far  more  extensive  and  formidable  one,  that  of  the  Wa- 
habees,  in  Arabia.  The  sceptre  of  Turkey,  also,  is  ready  to 


The  Mohammedan  Faith. 


47 


drop  from  the  withered  arm  of  the  Ottoman  Porte,  and  nothing 
sustains  it,  but  the  jealousies  of  Europe.  1 am  aware,  that  num- 
bers who  hear  me  may  look  on  the  existing’  troubles  in  Turkey 
with  dismay,  and  may  regard  them  as  furnishing  evidence  that 
this  is  not  the  time  for  Missionary  operations  within  her  territories. 
A single  consideration,  however,  will  shew,  that  a great  and  effec- 
tual door  is  about  to  be  opened  in  that  country,  for  the  introduc- 
tion of  the  Gospel.  . The  barbarities  committed  on  the  Greeks 
have  roused  the  sympathy  and  the  indignation  of  Christian  Europe; 
and  particularly  of  their  brethren  of  the  Greek  Religion,  in  the 
' empire  of  Russia. — If  the  arms  of  Russia  and  Austria,  shall  be  di- 
rected towards  Constantinople;  no  one  can  hesitate  as  to  the  re- 
sult. The  overthrow  of  the  Turkish  empire,  and  the  deliverance 
of  European  Turkey,  would  open  not  only  that*country,  but  the 
whole  of  Western  Asia,  to  every  Christian  invader.  The  Mis- 
sionaries of  the  Cross  might  commence  their  labors  in  every  part 
of  the  Mohammedan  world;  and  the  Mussulmaun  and  the  Jew 
would  soon  listen  with  surprise  to  the  Gospel  of  a Crucified 
Saviour  preached  in  the  Mosque  and  the  Synagogue.-If,  on  the  con- 
trary, peace  is  now  concluded  with  Turkey;  it  will  be  concluded 
on  such  stipulations,  that  the  various  nations  of  Christians,  inhabit- 
ing her  territories,  shall  be  guaranteed  the  enjoyment,  of  their  re- 
ligious rights  and  privileges.  On  this  supposition,  therefore,  the 
Missionary  w ill  find  the  way  of  the  Lord  prepared , and  his  paths 
made  straight. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  present  state  of  things  will  open  the  eyes 
of  these  various  nations  to  the  fact,  that  their  brethren,  the 
Christians  of  Europe,  are  deeply  interested  in  their  welfare;  and 
will  thus  prepare  them  more  readily  to  receive  the  Gospel  at 
their  hands.  The  sympathy  and  friendly  interposition  of  the, 
Europeans,  and  especially  of  the  Russians,  on  the  one  hand;  and 
the  gratitude  of  the  Greeks  on  the  other;  will  serve  to  unite 
more  closely  these  great  divisions  of  one  common  family;  and  will 
soon  call  forth  far  greater  efforts,  than  have  hitherto  been  made, 
to  procure  them  not  only  the  Sacred  Scriptures  but  faithful  In- 
structors and  Missionaries.  Their  very  sufferings,  also,  and  the 
many  struggles  which  they  have  sustained  in  the  cause  of  free- 
dom, will  raise  them  to  asuperiour  character,  and  inspire  them  with 


48 


feelings  which  cannot  long  endure  the  yoke  of  slavery.  If,  then, 
the  present  convulsion  does  not  terminate  in  the  immediate  libera- 
tion of  Greece;  it  will  prove  the  speedy  precursor  of  that  desir- 
able event,  and  of  the  consequent  downfall  not  only  of  the  Turk- 
ish power,  but  of  the  Religion  of  Mohammed.  The  present 
state  of  the  eastern  world,  therefore,  as  well  as  the  sure  word  of 
prophecy,  leads  us  to  the  conclusion  that  the  churches  of  Greece, 
Armenia,  Syria,  and  Egypt  are  soon  to  be  liberated  from  Moham- 
medan oppression,  and  to  take  their  stations  among  the  younger 
but  more  flourishing  churches  of  Western  Europe  and  America. 
What  a vast  influence,  then,  may  we  not  exert  on  these  interesting 
portions  of  the  Christian  world,  by  giving  them,  at  this  present 
moment,  the  light  of  the  Gospel,  and  preparing  them  for  that 
brighter  day,  which  is  rapidly  approaching. 

Pleasing  is  the  reflection,  that  the  Missionaries,  this  day  ordain- 
ed, are  to  carry  with  them  that  most  powerful  of  all  human  en- 
gines, the  press.  It  is  generally  known  that  a few  individuals, 
chiefly  inhabitants  of  our  metropolis,  have  pledged  themselves  to 
furnish  for  five  years,  an  adequate  support  for  a Printing  Press, 
to  be  established  in  Western  Asia.  It  will  commence  its  opera- 
tions in  the  modern  Greek.  As  the  field  opens  and  widens,  it  will 
extend  its  labors  to  Armenia,  Syria  and  Egypt,  and  ultimately 
to  Arabia  and  Turkey.  The  population  of  these  countries,  Jew- 
ish, Christian  and  Mohammedan,  is  rapidly  becoming  a reading 
population.  Tracts  and  other  religious  publications,  as  well  as 
Bibles,  annually  distributed  to  thousands  of  pilgrims  at  Jerusalem, 
and  dispersed  by  them  on  their  return  to  their  respective  countries, 
like  the  river  of  the  waters  of  life  seen  by  Ezekiel  “will  issue  out 
towards  the  east  country,  and  go  down  into  the  desert;  and  every 
thing,  whither  the  river  cometh,  shall  live.” 

These  interesting  events,  which  many  prophets  and  kings  de- 
sired to  witness,  and  the  approach  of  which  no  Christian  can  con- 
template without  thankfulness  and  praise,  will  soon  be  recorded 
on  the  page  of  history.  Some  of  you,  Christian  Brethren,  may  not, 
indeed,  live  to  hear  of  their  accomplishment  on  earth;  yet  you 
will  not  long  have  joined  the  church  above,  before  you  learn,  that 
the  prayers,  which  you  and  they  never  ceased  to  offer,  are  answer- 
ed; and  that,  after  the  lapse  of  many  centuries,  Judea  and  Galilee 
again  witness  the  victories  of  the  Cross.  Will  any  of  you  then  re- 


49 


gret  your  efforts,  or  your  contributions,  in  tire  best  of"  causes. 
Whatever  sacrifices  you  may  now  make  for  Christ  and  the 
Church;  if  it  be  of  all  your  properly,  and  even  of  life  itself;  will  it 
not  then  appear  as  nothing.  Will  not  all  be  repaid  a thousand 
fold,  when  you  behold  the  light  of  heaven  dawning  anew  on  these 
benighted  regions,  and  their  inhabitants  following  each  other  in 
successive  generations  to  that  world,  where  there  is  no  distinction 
of  Gentile  or  Jew,  but  where  Christ  is  All  in  all. 

And  is  there  a solitary  individual  in  this  great  assembly,  who, 
if  alive  when  these  events  shall  be  accomplished,  does  not  wish 
to  share  in  the  victory  and  to  feel  that  it  is  in  some  degree  owing 
to  his  efforts,  his  charities,  and  his  prayers;  or  who,  if  previously 
summoned  to  the  world  of  spirits,  is  not  desirous  to  learn,  in  hea- 
ven, how  the  land,  where  Christ  himself  unfurled  the  standard  of 
salvation,  is  once  more  recovered  to  the  King  of  Zior.  If  this  be 
your  wish,  my  beloved  friends,  let  me  persuade  you  to  engage  now 
in  the  service  of  Christ.  Make  his  cause  your  own.  Give  up  your 
property,  your  time,  your  labors,  ay  the  Lord  hath  need  of  them. 
Verily,  I say  unto  you,  you  shall  in  no  wise  lose  your  reward. 

Permit  us  then,  Brethren,  to  rejoice  with  you  in  the  prospect 
of  great  and  ultimate  success,  in  the  interesting  field  where  your 
Missionary  and  his  brethren  are  to  labor.  It  will  not  be  surpris- 
ing if  numbers  of  you,  who  are  this  day  contributing  to  this  glorious 
object,  shall  live  to  see  the  day,  when  the  empire  of  Mohammed 
shall  come  to  a perpetual  end;  when  the  Jews  out  of  all  nations, 
and  the  Ten  tribes  of  Israel  from  eastern  Persia,  shall  come  to- 
gether as  one  nation,  and  worship  the  Lord  again  at  Jerusalem, 
believing  in  Him  of  whom  Moses  and  the  Prophets  did  speak, 
Jesus  of  Nazareth  the  Son  of  David;  when  the  ancient  churches 
of  the  East,  now  sunk  in  the  lowest  state  of  ruin,  shall  rise  and 
shake  themselves  from  the  dust,  and  put  on  their  beautiful  gar- 
ments; when  the  Law  shall  again  go  forth  out  of  Zion,  and  the 
word  of  the  Lord  from  Jerusalem;  and  when  not  only  Greek,  Arme- 
nian, and  Syrian,  but  Jewish  missionaries  shall  unite  with  those  of 
Europe  and  America  in  proclaiming  the  Gospel  of  peace,  not 
merely  in  the  countries  now  called  Mohammedan,  but  in  the  re- 
motest limits  of  Africa  and  Asia. 

I need  not  say,  Brethren  of  these  united  Churches,  that  the  Mis- 
sionarv  whom  vou  now  send  forth,  will  need  vour  pravers.  He 

7 


50 


is  soon  to  embark  for  Jerusalem,  “not  knowing  what  may  befal  him 
there.”  He  is  going  to  a country,  the  most  hostile  of  any  on  earth 
to  the  Christian  religion.  While  you  are  safe  at  home;  you 
know  not  what  enemies  he  may  be  called  to  encounter.  Yet 
the  God  of  Missionaries  has  said,  “Lo  I am  with  you  alway  even 
unto  the  end  of  the  world.”  If  Paul  and  Silas  and  Timothy,  at 
Corinth,  could  ask  for  the  prayers  of  the  church  at  Thessalonica; 
well  may  he,  who  is  on  his  way  to  Jerusalem,  say  to  you , “Breth- 
ren, Pray  for  me.”  I need  not  however,  on  this  occasion,  intreat 
your  prayers  in  his  behalf.  The  deep  interest  which  you  have 
manifested  in  him,  and  in  the  Mission  in  which  he  and  his  com- 
panions are  entering,  is  a full  assurance,  that  you  will  remember 
them  continually  in  secret,  in  the  family,  and  in  the  prayers  of 
the  sanctuary;  but  especially  when  you  meet,  in  concert  with  the 
whole  church  on  earth,  to  pray  for  the  prosperity  of  Zion.  I 
know,  my  Christian  friends,  that  I may  here  publicly  pledge  your 
faith,  that,  whenever  you  go,  united  or  alone,  to  the  Mercy-seat, 
you  will  have  them  in  affectionate  remembrance.  Beloved 
Brethren,  Go  on  and  prosper;  may  the  Lord  grant,  that  your  ex- 
ample may  kindle  the  flame  of  Christian  love  throughout  the 
churches  of  our  land,  and  prompt  them  to  unite  in  similar  associa- 
tions for  the  same  benevolent  purpose! 


PALESTINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


Mr.  Temple  was  received  as  a missionary  in  the  autumn  of  1 820. 
He  had  for  several  years  contemplated  offering  himself  for  this  ser- 
vice when  his  theological  course  at  Andover  should  be  completed; 
and  this  intention  had  been  known  to  the  Committee.  The  field  of 
labor,  on  which  his  mind  had  long  dwelt  with  particular  interest, was 
Asia  Minor,  Palestine,  and  the  neighboring  regions;  and  to  this 
field  he  wTas  assigned,  with  the  expectation  that  he  would  enter 
it,  as  soon  as  the  necessary  arrangements  could  be  made.  In  the 
mean  time,  he  was  employed  as  an  agent  to  preach  on  the  subject 
of  missions,  and  to  raise  funds  for  the  Board.  While  performing 
this  agency,  in  the  winter  and  spring  of  the  present  year,  he  visited 
all  the  towns  in  Plymouth  county,  and  many  in  the  adjoining  coun- 
ties; and  was  most  kindly  and  cordially  received,  both  by  the  cler- 
gy, and  the  people. 

In  consequence  of  becoming  acquainted  w ith  Mr.  Temple,  and 
his  intended  mission,  it  was  proposed  by  friends  of  the  missionary 
cause,  that  an  auxiliary  society  should  be  formed,  with  a view  to 
the  support  of  a missionary  in  Palestine  or  its  vicinity.  A meeting 
was  accordingly  held  at  Weymouth,  on  the  20th  of  June,  at  which 
the  contemplated  society  was  formed. 


CONSTITUTION. 

Art.  I.  This  Society  shall  be  called  The  Palestine  Missionary  Society. 

Art.  II.  The  specific  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  support  one  Mis- 
sionary, (who  shall  be  approved  by  the  Society,)  in  Palestine  or  its  vicinity, 
under  the  direction  of  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign 
Missions. 

Art.  III.  Should  the  annual  subscriptions  and  donations  of  the  Society 
amount  to  a sum  more  than  sufficient  to  support  one  missionary,  the  surplus 
shall  be  appropriated  to  aid  in  the  education  of  Jewish  children  under  the 
direction  of  the  Palestine  mission. 

Art.  IV.  Any  gentleman  or  lady,  on  subscribing  this  Constitution,  and 
engaging  to  pay  annually  into  the  treasury,  such  a sum  as  he  or  she  shall 


b'l 


specify,  shall  be  a member  of  this  society.  And  any  gentleman,  on  subscrib- 
ing and  paying  twenty  dollars,  and  any  lady,  on  subscribing  and  paying  ten 
dollars , shall  be  a member  of  this  Society  for  life. 

Art.  V.  The  officers  of  this  society  shall  be  a President,  two  Vice  Presi- 
dents, a Secretary,  a Treasurer,  an  Auditor,  and  one  or  more  directors  in 
each  Parish  embraced  by  the  Society. 

Art.  VI.  The  officers  of  this  Society  shall  be  chosen  annually;  the  Presi- 
dent, Vice  Presidents,  Secretary,  and  Treasurer,  by  ballot;  the  others  by 
nomination. 

Art.  VII.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  to  act  both  as  recording 
and  corresponding  Secretary,  and  to  exhibit  reports  to  the  Society. 

Art.  VIII.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  directors  to  solicit  and  receive 
subscriptions  and  donations,  and  pay  the  same  into  the  Treasury. 

Art.  IX.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer  to  keep  an  account  of 
monies  or  other  articles  received  by  him,  to  transmit  the  same  semi-annually 
to  the  Treasurer  of  the  American  Board,  for  the  purpose  specified  in  Art.  II. 
and  to  report  annually  to  this  Society.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Au- 
ditor to  examine  the  Treasurer’s  accounts,  and  report  on  the  same  to  the  so- 
ciety at  each  annual  meeting. 

Art.  X.  This  Society  shall  meet  annually  on  the  third  Wednesday  in 
June,  at  such  place  as  they  shall  previously  appoint,  for  the  purpose  of 
choosing  officers,  and  transacting  such  business  as  may  come  before  them. 

Art.  XI.  The  Secretary,  by  order  of  the  President,  may  call  a special 
meeting,  by  notifying  one  director  in  each  parish,  who  shall  cause  the  same 
to  be  made  public  therein  accordingly. 

Art.  XII.  Each  meeting  of  the  Society  shall  be  opened  and  closed  with 
prayer  by  the  President,  or  some  one  by  him  designated. 

Art,  XIII.  At  each  annual  meeting,  a sermon  shall  be  delivered,  by  some 
one  previously  appointed  by  the  Society,  and  a report  read  by  the  Secretary, 
Art.  XIV.  After  the  sermon  and  report,  a contribution  shall  be  received 
in  aid  of  the  Society’s  funds. 

Art.  XV.  This  Constitution  may  be  altered  or  amended  by  the  vote  of 
two  thirds  of  the  members  present  at  an  annual  meeting. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  then  chosen  officers  of  the  Society  for  the 

current  year. 

Ei.ipnAi.KT  Loud,  Esq.  President, 

Rev.  A.  Richmond,  i 

Mr.  Seth  Hunt.  \ Vice  Pr^ents: 

Rev.  Jonas  Perkins.  Secretary, 
l)r.  Ebenf.zer  Alden,  Treasurer,  and 
Mr.  Sir.AS  Paine,  jr.  Auditor. 

Directors  were  also  chosen  in  the  several  towns  in  the  vicinity 


